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Presented to 


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With Best 

Wishes for 

a Life of 

Usefulness 





















CHRIST WALKING ON THE SEA 




















































































































FAVORITE STORIES 

from the New Testament* 



BY ISABEL C. ^YRUM. 

Author of “Beautiful Stories from the Good Old Book.” 


GOSPEL TRUMPET COMPANY, 
ANDERSON, INDIANA. 
















































God's Plan. 

& 


Just wait and see; 
Perhaps we ’ll solve 
This mystery. 

It was God’s plan 
To place yon here, 
So do not think 
It strange or queer. 


“How came I here? 
Can some one tell? 
How has it come 
I chance to dwell 
Upon this earth 
So great and wide? 
How does it come 
I here abide?” 


God made this earth 
Long years ago, 

And then he made 
All things that grow 
He made the birds, 
The flowers, too; 

And was it strange 
That he made you? 


5 

























6 


FAVORITE STORIES 


God loves mankind, 
Whom he has made, 
And for each one 
A plan has laid: 
r i his plan was great, 
’Twas for us all; 

Yes, it includes 
E’en children small. 

“What plan was that?” 
Have patience, dear; 
I’ll tell you all 

That you would hear. 
God made man so 
That though he dies, 

11 is soul may live 
Up hi the skies. 

‘ ‘ What is his soul ? ’ ’ 

I thought you’d ask, 
So to explain 
Will be my task. 
When from the dust 
God first formed man. 
lie gave him strength 
To live and plan. 

Man ruled the beasts 
Which gathered near; 
While in those beasts 
There rose a fear, 

And all obeyed 
With one accord 
This man. as though 
He’d been their Lord. 

Why God chose man 
We can not tell 
As ruler on 

This earth to dwell; 


But it was so, 

And he gave man 

A thinking soul, 

To suit his plan. 

This raised the man 
On higher plane, 

To reason, act, 

Rule and explain. 

The soul within 
Now placed him where 

With angels he 
Might claim a share. 

A conscience with 
The soul was giv’n, 

To show the man 
The way to heav’n. 

You see, dear child, 

Two ways there are, 

Each leading to 
A home afar. 

One home is heav’n; 

The other, hell: 

Both homes are where 
Men’s souls will dv^ell. 

You see. dear one, 

We all must die; 

Just wait and hear 
The reason why. 

In God’s dear Word 
We read that all 

Must die because 
Of Adam’s fall. 

Just how he fell 
Please turn and read; 

The Bible tells 
Us of the deed— 


FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


7 


How sin was brought 
On all mankind 
Because God’s rules 
Man did not mind; 

But in God’s great 
And noble plan 
Was made a way 
For fallen man. 

Sin placed man on 
The way to hell, 

Where Satan and 
His angels dwell. \ 

These tried to make 
Him feel all right, 

And blind him to 
His wretched plight. 

God loved man so 
That he was sad 
And sought a way 
To make him glad. 

He promised then 
To send some day 
A Savior who’d 

Take sin away. § 

This Savior was 
His own dear Son, 

Who never had *: 

A wrong deed done. 

Although ’twas years 
Before Christ came, |* 

He still was in 

God’s plan the same. | 

At last he came— y 

A babe so small; | t 

And it seemed strange 
How sin could fall 


On one so young, 

But it was so: 

Still, never sin 
Did this child know; 

And yet the sin 
Of all mankind 
Upon this child 
God was to bind. 

This load he bore 
When manhood came, 
And he took all 

Our grief and shame. 

At last he said 
His hour was nigh; 

He prayed that God 
Would glorify 
His Son, and bless 
The loved ones here, 

For they would need 
Much strength and cheer. 

God heard that prayer. 

Christ had to die, 

That all our sins 
On him might lie: 

And though ’twas hard, 
Still, glad are we; 

For Christ’s death sets 
$ All sinners free. 

“All sinners free? 

Then, is it true 
That death is gone 
From sinners’ view?” 
Ah, no, dear child, 

Death’s still the same; 
But, then, there’s life 
In Jesus’ name. 



FAVORITE STORIES 


Man died two deaths— 

How sad to tell! 

His soul could now 
No longer dwell 
In union with 

His God, the Lord, 

Because he’d not 
Obeyed his word. 

His body, too, 

Passed to the grave. 

And thus was man 

A perfect slave / ' 

To sin and death; 

But God’s great love 
Now found a way 
His love to prove. 

Yes, Jesus came, 

Who knew no sin. 

God saw then what 
Man might have been, 

And now he sees 
Us in his Son; 

For when Christ died, 

Our life was won. 

God loves all those 
Who care to live 
As he designs, 

And strength he’ll give. 

In this we find 
God’s noble plan, 

And what he’s done 
For sinful man. 

And you can see 
There -s much to do 
For ev’ry one, 

And for you, too; 


All do not know 
Or understand 
About God’s love 
And plan so grand. 

So go and tell 
Of God’s great love, 
How Jesus left 
His home above, 

And say, ‘ ‘ I know 
God placed me here; 
I’m glad I see 
His plan so clear.” 

Then God will bless 
And use you too. 

He has much work 
For you to do; 

For God would love 
To see all where 
They’d be prepared 
His home to share. 

’Tis much to be 
A Christian true; 

To teach men what 
They ought to do; 

To bring the news 
To fallen man, 

Of Christ and God’s 
Redemption plan. 

Do all you can 
In ev’ry way; 

God will reward 
You in the day 
Of judgment, when 
All men will see 
Where they must spend 
Eternity. 



CONTENTS 

Cod’s Plan (Poem). 5 

The Need of a Savior. 19 

Joyful News to Zacharias. 22 

The Angel’s Visit to Mary. 24 

The Birth of John the Baptist. 25 

Jesus is Born. 27 

Angels Visit the Shepherds. 28 

Jesus Brought to the Temple, and Simeon’s Joy. 33 

The Star and the Wise Men. 35 

Great Sorrow in the Land. 38 

The King’s Plan Defeated (Poem). 40 

The Boyhood of Jesus. 41 

The Story of John the Baptist. 45 

Satan Tempts Jesus. 48 

The Lamb of God... 50 

Jesus Visits His Old Home. 51 

The Wedding of Cana. 52 

The Feast of the Passover. 54 

Nicodemus the Pharisee. 56 

Nicodemus the Pharisee (Poem). 59 

John’s Last Testimony of Jesus. 63 

Jesus at Jacob’s Well in Sychar. 64 

Jesus Telling How the Gentiles will Receive Him. 68 

The Nobleman’s Faith. 69 

The Pool of Bethesda.•. 70 

Fishing in the Sea of Galilee. 74 


IX 





























10 


FAVORITE STORIES 


A Man Possessed with Evil Spirits. 74 

The Mission of Jesus. 76 

Jesus and His Kingdom. 80 

Sermon on the Mount. 80 

Jesus Teaching His Disciples.• • • • 84 

A Lesson from the Birds and the Lilies. 86 

Consider the Lilies (Poem). 90 

The Rocky and Sandy Foundations. ... 92 

The Centurion’s Faith.•. 93 

The Dead Man Raised. 94 

In the House of Simon the Pharisee.. 97 

The Two Debtors. 98 

Jesus Reproves the People.. 99 

The Sign of Jonah. 101 

Who Are Christ’s Relatives?. 102 

The Barren Fig-tree (Poem). 104 

Parable of the Rich Man. 107 

Parable of the Sower (Poem). 110 

Parable of the Candle Hid under a Bushel. 115 

Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. 116 

Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven... 120 

Parables of the Hidden Treasure, the Pearl, and the Net. 122 

The Savior’s Home (Poem). 124 

No Resting-Place. 126 

A Great Storm. 128 

Two Dangerous Men. 130 

Levi’s Feast. 132 

Jairus’ Daughter and the Happy Woman. 133 

Instructing the Twelve Apostles. 134 

The Twelve Return. 137 

Five Thousand People are Fed. 138 

They Thought He Was a Spirit. 140 

The Multitude Follow Jesus. 143 

The Traditions of the Elders. 144 

The Syrophonician Woman. 145 

The Deaf and Dumb Man Healed. 146 

Jesus Again Feeds the Multitude.. . 149 

The Leaven of the Pharisees. 150 

A Blind Man Healed. 151 









































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 11 

The Transfiguration. 152 

Jesus Heals a Lunatic... 154 

A Little Talk with His Disciples. 156 

The Tribute Money.. 156 

A Lesson on Humility. 158' 

Offenses . 160 

Forgiveness . 161 

More Disciples Instructed and Sent Out. 162 

Feast of Tabernacles. 164 

Jesus at the Feast. 167 

The Dispute with the Pharisees. 168 

The Lawyer Instructed. 169 

In Bethany. 172 

The Disciples Taught to Pray. 172 

The Seventy Return. 175 

A Man Born Blind is Healed.. 176 

The Sheep of Palestine. 179 

The Good Shepherd. 182 

Grief in the Home at Bethany... 185 

Jesus Returns to Bethany.. 186 

Lazarus is Raised from the Dead. 189 

Beyond Jordan. 191 

Journeying toward Jerusalem. 192 

At the Pharisee’s Table. 193 

The Great Supper. 196 

The True Disciple. 198 

The Lost Sheep. 199 

The Lost Piece of Money. 200 

The Foolish Young Man. 203 

The Prodigal’s Return. 205 

The Brother’s Jealousy. 206 

The Unjust Steward. 209 

The Rich Man and the Beggar. 210 

How the Kingdom of God will Come. 214 

The Widow and the Unjust Judge. 216 

The Two Men in the Temple. 217 

Jesus Blesses Little Children. 218 

The Rich Young Man. 220 

The Parable of the Laborers. 221 









































12 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Solemn Thoughts. 224 

The City of Jericho. 226 

Blind Bartimeus. 227 

The Man in a Tree. 228 

Parable of the Ten Pounds. 230 

Six Days before the Passover. 233 

Jesus Rides upon a Young Colt. 234 

Entering Jerusalem. 238 

A Lesson on Faith. 239 

Jesus in the Temple. 240 

The Vineyard of the Lord. 242 

Be Ye Ready; or, The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Poem). 244 

Plots Laid by the Pharisees to Entrap Jesus. 248 

The Widow’s Offering. 250 

A Voice from Heaven. 252 

Scenes of the Judgment Day. 254 

Judas among the Rulers. 255 

Alone with His Disciples. 256 

The Lord’s Supper Instituted. 258 

Peter’s Fall Foretold. 260 

Prayer in the Name of Christ. 261 

The Midnight Agony. 262 

Jesus is Made Prisoner. 265 

Peter Denies His Master. 268 

Jesus before the Council. 269 

Jesus before Pilate. 271 

Pilate’s Wife Has a Dream. 273 

The Sentence.• .. 274 

Another Scene. 276 

Bearing His Cross. 280 

The Crucifixion. 282 

The Penitent Thief. 284 

The Death of Jesus. 285 

The Burial. 287 

The Tomb is Guarded. 289 

Morning of the Resurrection. 290 

Other Things that Happened. 294 

What Thomas Said. 298 

The Disciples Go Fishing. 300 









































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT 


13 


Carried up into Heaven. 302 

The Story of the Apostles. 304 

God’s Church. 306 

The People are Astonished. 309 

Telling the Glad News. 309 

A Great Case of Healing.*. 310 

The Wonderful Name of Jesus.*. 311 

Selling Their Possessions. 313 

Another Sudden Death. 315 

The Doors of the Prison Opened. .*.. 318 

GamaliePs Advice. 319 

Stephen . 320 

Philip Preaching in Samaria. 323 

The Stranger Philip Met. 325 

The Story of Saul. 327 

Ananias ’ Dream. 328 

Soldiers Try to Kill Saul. 330 

Peter at Lydda and Joppa. 332 

Peter’s Vision. 333 

Peter at Caesarea. 335 

A Misunderstanding. 337 

An Angel Delivers Peter. 338 

Saul and Barnabas. 341 

In Paphos. 342 

A Lame Man Healed. 343 

Young Timothy. 345 

Lydia and the Servant Girl. 346 

In Prison. 348 

The Alarm of the Judges. 351 

Paul Suffers in Jerusalem. 352 

Paul is Shipwrecked. 354 

The Island of Melita. 359 

The Sick are Healed. 362 

Paul in Rome. 363 

Persecution . 366 

My Crown (Poem). 368 

Paul’s Letter to the Romans. 370 

What John Saw. 374 

The Voice of Jesus (Poem). 380 










































List of Illustrations 


Christ Walking on the Sea.!. Frontispiece 

Her Ways Are Ways of Pleasantness. 2 

The Birth of John. 26 

The Birth of Jesns. 29 

Unto Us a Child is Born. 31 

Bringing Glad News to the Shepherds. 32 

Simeon’s Joy. 34 

Thfc Bethlehem Star. 35 

The Wise Men Following the Star. 37 

On the Way to Egypt... 39 

Jesus in the Midst of the Doctors of the Law. 42 

“Son, Why hast Thou Thus Dealt with Us?”. 44 

John the Baptist Preaching in the Wilderness. 47 

Jesus Commands Satan to Flee. 49 

The First Miracle. 53 

The Money Changers Driven Out. 55 

Jesus Talking to Nicodemus. 57 

The Woman at Jacob’s Well. 65 

The Pool of Bethesda. 71 

Jesus Preaching to the People from a Boat. 73 

A Great Multitude of Fishes. 75 

Peter’s Wife’s Mother. 77 

Christ Healing All Manner of Diseases. 79 

The Sermon on the Mount. 81 

A New Commandment I Give unto You. 83 


xiv 































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 15 

Jesus Talking to His Disciples. 84 

Consider the Lilies of the Field. 85 

Behold the Fowls of the Air. 87 

Let Thy Garments Be Always White. .. 89 

The House Built upon the Sand. 91 

Jesus and the Centurion’s Friends. 95 

The Widow’s Son Restored to Life.. 96 

Ye Are of More Value than Many Sparrows. 105 

The Unfruitful Tree. 106 

* The Parable of the Rich Man. 109 

The Rich Fool.. Ill 

Parable of the Sower. 113 

The Parable of the Tares. 117 

The Enemy Sowdng Tares. 119 

The Merchant Seeking Goodly Pearls. 123 

The Parable of the Net. 125 

On the Way to Its Nest. 127 

The Tempest on the Sea. 129 

Jesus Casting out Devils. 131 

Touching the Hem of His Garment. 135 

Feeding Five Thousand. 139 

Christ Walking on the Sea. 142 

The Woman of Canaan. 147 

The Sick are Healed.148 

Jesus Again Feeds the Multitude. 149 

The Transfiguration of Christ. 153 

Peter and the Tribute Money.....'. 157 

The Little Child. 159 

The Unmerciful Servant. 163 

The Sending out of the Seventy. 165 

The Good Samaritan. 171 

“Friend, Lend Me Three Loaves”. 173 

“Once I Was Blind, but Now I See”. 177 

The Shepherd Leading His Flock. 180 

The Shepherd and the Lambs. 181 

The Good Shepherd. 183 

“For Ye shall Go Out with Joy”. 187 

Lazarus Raised from the Dead. 190 

I will Instruct Thee and Teach Thee.... 195 










































16 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The Great Supper. 197 

The Lost Sheep. 199 

The Lost Piece of Money. 201 

The Wayward Son. 204 

The Prodigal’s Return. 207 

The Unjust Steward. 211 

The Rich Man and the Beggar. 213 

The Pharisee and the Publican. 217 

Christ Blessing the Children. 219 

The Laborers in the Vineyard. 223 

Christ and the Mother of Zebedee’s Children. 225 

“Zaccheus, Come Down”. 229 

The Parable of the Talents. 231 

Mary Anointing the Feet of Jesus. 235 

Jesus Riding on the Colt. 236 

Jesus Entering Jerusalem. 237 

The Parable of the Vineyard. 243 

The Wicked Husbandmen. 245 

The Foolish Virgins. 247 

The Widow’s Offering. 251 

Jesus Teaching Humility. 259 

“0 My Father, if It Be Possible”. 263 

Christ in Gethsemane. 264 

Judas Betraying Jesus with a Kiss. 267 

The Denial of Peter. 268 

The Pharisees Persecuting Jesus. 272 

Pilate Washing His Hands. 275 

Judas Trying to Undo the Wrong He had Done. 277 

Death of the Betrayer Judas Iscariot. 279 

Christ Carrying His Cross. 281 

The Crucifixion. 283 

The Burial of Jesus. 287 

Sealing the Tomb. 291 

Jesus Reveals Himself to Mary. 293 

The Angel at the Tomb. 295 

Christ with the Two Disciples. 296 

Doubting Thomas. 299 

“It Is the Lord”. 300 

Jesus Ascending into Heaven. ,,,,,,,,,,, 303 









































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT 


17 


Receiving the Holy Ghost. 307 

Sharing Their Possessions. 314 

The Death of Sapphira. 317 

Stephen before the Council. 321 

Martyrdom of St. Stephen. 322 

The Conversion of Saul. 329 

Peter’s Strange Vision.,.. 334 

The Deliverance of Peter. 339 

The Cripple is Healed. 344 

Lois, Eunice, and Timothy. 347 

The Philippian Jailor before Paul and Silas. 349 

“What Shall I Do to be Saved?”. 350 

Paul Speaking to the People. 353 

God Is Our Refuge and Strength. 355 

Paul Encourages the Sailors. 356 

St. Paul’s Shipwreck... 357 

The Shipwreck of Paul. 358 

Paul Bitten by the Viper. 361 

Paul before Caesar..... 364 

Fear God and Keep His Commandments. 367 

Thou Crownest the Year with Thy Goodness. 369 

He that Walketh Uprightly Walketh Surely. 371 

The Treasures of the Snow. 373 

Speak to the Earth, and It shall Teach Thee.... 375 

An Anchor to the Soul... 377 

The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ Be with You All. 379 



‘4 




































The Need of a Savior. 

God sent his Son to this earth many years ago, and I want to tell 
you, dear children, why it was that he did this. There was need 
for God to do this, or he would never have sent his dear Son down 
to this cruel world. 

God’s Son was to be a Savior of the people. That means that 
he was to save them from something. To find out what this was, 
let us go hack to the beginning, and see what God did. 

Here we find out just how God made the earth and everything 
upon it. And there was the sun to shine by day and give light, and 
the moon and stars to shine at night. Then, there were all the animals, 
the birds, the fishes, the trees, the grass, and the flowers. 

And God formed a man of the dust of the ground, and breathed 
into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. 
This man was called Adam. 

God planted a beautiful garden for him to live in. Within this 
garden God placed everything Adam would need, and .then gave him 
a wife. Adam called his wife’s name Eve. They were very happy 
in the beautiful garden God had made for them. 

And God said that if these two people would always do right 
and obey him, they should never die. 

God wanted this man and woman to serve him because they had 

19 








20 


FAVORITE STORIES 


a desire to do so; and this was why he told them something they 
must not do. He told them that they must not eat any fruit from 
h certain tree in the garden. And God showed them the place where 
it grew, so that they would not forget it nor take any fruit off it 
through mistake. 

Now, Satan came into the garden to see whether he could not 
get Adam and Eve to do what God had told them not to do. 

Satan wanders around upon the earth, and tries to get people to 
do wrong and disobey God. 

He saw that Adam and Eve were very happy, and he does not 
like to see any one happy; so he whispered to Eve. He told her 
that God did not mean just what he said about the tree in the midst 
of the garden, and that they would not die if they ate of its fruit. 
And Satan said God knew that the day they ate thereof their eyes 
would be opened; that is, they would know the difference between 
good and evil. 

Eve thought much about what Satan had told her; and the more 
she thought about his words, that the tree would make her wise, the 
more beautiful it seemed to her. 

At last she desired some of the fruit so much that she took some 
from the tree and ate it. And then she gave some to her husband, 
and he ate. So they both disobeyed God, and sinned; for when we 
disobey, or do not mind God, that is sin. 

God was grieved with them when they disobeyed him, and he 
said that they could not live in the beautiful garden any longer. So 
he drove them out, and placed an angel at the gate of the garden, 
that they might not again enter. 

God told them that now they would have to work very hard for 
the food they ate, and that when they died, for now they must die, 
they would return to dust again. 

But something worse than this happened on account of their sin. 
Before they disobeyed God, their hearts were good, but now they 
were sinful. 

Our heart is that part of us from which springs the desire to do 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


21 


right or wrong. When we have a good heart that loves God, we 
want to do right; but when we have a had heart that does not love 
God, we want to do wrong. 

God had made Adam and Eve with good hearts, but they made 
their own hearts bad by sinning. Oh, how unhappy they felt! 

After a while when little children were born, these children were 
like their father and mother—they, too, had sinful hearts; that is, 
they had something in their hearts that led them to disobey God. 

Yet if these little children had died before they were old enough 
to know the difference between right and wrong, God would have 
taken them up to heaven; but just as soon as they knew that they were 
sinning when they did things which they should not do, they could 
never get to heaven without becoming sorry for their sins and asking 
God to forgive them. 

With this sinful nature in their hearts, the people hardly knew 
the difference between right and wrong; so God gave them a law 
of ten commandments, besides some other laws telling them how to 
do right. 

These laws were to teach them how to live to please God and 
go to heaven when they died, and to hold in check wickedness. And 
they had to offer sacrifices every day for their sins. 

A good many tried to live right and obey God’s commandments, 
but they found it hard to do with their sinful nature. They wanted 
to do right, but the sin in their hearts sometimes caused them to 
do wrong. 

This, then, was why the people needed a Savior, or some one 
who could take this sin right out of their hearts, and make them 
like Adam and Eve were when God created them and placed them in 
the Garden of Eden. And this was why God sent his Son as a 
Savior, to take away our sinful natures and make our hearts as pure 
as Adam’s was in the beginning. 

God promised, when Adam and Eve first sinned, that a Savior 
should come. Many prophets, who lived afterward, told the people 
that he was coming. 


22 


FAVORITE STORIES 


But before he came, they said, Elias, who was John the Baptist, 
would be sent to tell the people to make ready for him by repenting 
of their sins. 

Many believed what these prophets said would come to pass, and 
they waited and watched earnestly for the Savior’s coming. 

cz>kz>xid*<o 

Joyful News to Zacharias. 

After many years the people were living in the land of Canaan, 
and were called Jews. They were still looking for the Savior. But 
they were expecting him to be some great king who would come to 
them in a very strange manner. He was called the Messiah, which 
means 44 anointed.” 

The Jews at this time were ruled by the Romans, a people of 
another nation; and they longed to have a king of their own to rule 
over them and to deliver them from the Homans. Many of them 
thought, “It will be all right when the Messiah comes; for he will be 
our king, and will free us from the Homans.” 

In the southern part of the land of Canaan there are a great many 
hills. In a town among these hills, just at the time the people were 
greatly expecting the Messiah to come quickly, lived a* man whose 
name was Zacharias. 

This man was a priest, and he and his wife Elizabeth were both 
old. They had never had any children to cheer their home; and now 
that so many years had passed by, they supposed that they never 
should have any. This must have been a great sorrow' to them, for 
children are the greatest blessing a home can have. 

The work of the priest in those days w r as to offer sacrifices to 
God for the sins the people committed. 

This was a very particular work, and it had to be done just as 
God had commanded it should be, or the life of the priest was in great 
danger. 

The Bible tells us of priests who died instantly because they were 


FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


23 


not careful to obey all God’s commandments concerning their work. 

Zacharias and his wife were both good people, and were very 
careful to obey all God’s commandments. 

Years before, King David had divided the priests into what were 
called courses or companies. There were twenty-four of these courses. 
Each one took its turn in staying for a time at the temple to attend 
to God’s worship there. 

The course of priests to which Zacharias belonged was called the 
course of Abia. 

Within the temple the priests began their work very early in the 
morning. Some of them cleaned the altar by taking away the ashes 
that had been left there from the day before, and put fresh wood on 
the fire, which was never allowed to go out. Other priests trimmed 
the lamps, and cleaned the golden altar of incense. 

After this, one of the priests offered a lamb upon the altar of 
burnt offering, and another burned incense on the golden altar. 

The time when the priests were offering sacrifices and burning 
incense was called the hour of prayer, and at these times the people 
came up to the temple to worship God, and stood in the court praying. 

Every day lots were cast to know which part of the work each 
priest was to do. 

On the day of which I am going to tell you, Zacharias was to 
burn incense upon the golden altar, and for this reason he went into 
the holy place at the hour of prayer. 

Just at this time, while Zacharias was offering incense in the 
temple, some one appeared, or stood beside him. 

How frightened Zacharias must have been! for he did not know 
that this was an angel from heaven bringing joyful news to him anu 
his dear wife. 

But the angel did not keep him waiting long. He «aia, “I am 
Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God, and am. sam to thee with 
glad tidings.” The angel told him that God was going to give him 
and his wife Elizabeth a son, and that they should call his name John. 

And the angel told Zacharias that th* ^hild would become a prophet, 


24 


FAVORITE STORIES 


and that many would rejoice at his birth; for he was to tell the people 
that their Savior was coming soon, and he would prepare the way 
for him. 

Zacharias could not believe that this was true, and he asked the 
angel how it could be. But the angel told Zacharias that it was true, 
and that because he had not believed it God would punish him. He 
would be dumb, unable to speak, until the child was born. 

The people wondered why Zacharias remained in the temple so 
long; and when he came out, they were waiting for him. But Zacharias 
could not speak a word to them, and they could see that the Lord had 
spoken to him. 

When Zacharias ’ work in the temple was ended, he returned to 
his home. 


o:o*o:-o 

The Angel's Visit to Mary. 

In the small town of Nazareth lived a young woman whose name 
was Mary. She had promised to marry a man by the name of Joseph. 

Mary and Joseph were both descended from King David, but 
they were not rich. They really were quite poor, but they both loved 
God. 

Now, Mary was a cousin of Elizabeth’s, the wife of Zacharias. 

About six months had passed since the angel Gabriel had visited 
Zacharias in the temple, telling him such glad news. 

Again the angel came down from heaven. This time he came to 
the home of Mary. Mary was afraid when she saw the angel; but 
he told her not to be afraid, for the Lord was pleased with her, and 
was going to give her a son whose name should be Jesus. 

And Jesus should be a king, the angel said—greater than any other 

*P°D J° no S 0l D 0< I PPOAV oq osnuooq ‘ppmAi oq; m Suiq 

After the angel had told Mary this, he left her, and went up into 
heaven again. 

Mary was surprised, and she wondered why God had chosen her 


Prom the new testament. 


25 


to be the mother of his Son. But she was very happy; for she said, 
“My soul doth magnify the Lord.” 

The angel had also told Mary the good news about her cousin 
Elizabeth, and she hastened and went to visit her. 

It was a long distance to the place where Elizabeth lived, but 
Mary went and paid her a visit. What a happy time they must have 
had, thinking of the little ones God had promised, and planning for 
them! 

After a very pleasant visit Mary returned home; and the angel 
spoke to Joseph in a dream, and told him Mary’s beautiful secret 
about the Son of God coming to earth as her little child, and told 
Joseph to call his name Jesus, for he should save the people from 
their sins. 

Then Joseph at once took Mary to his own home as his wife. 
He was a carpenter, and he made his living in that way. 

o>*o>o*o 

The Birth of John the Baptist. 

God gave Zacharias and Elizabeth the son he had promised them. 
Zacharias had not been able to speak for a long time; for, you remem¬ 
ber, the angel in the temple said that Zacharias would be dumb until 
the child was born. 

When a child was eight days old, it was their custom to give it a 
name. When this little baby was eight days old, the neighbors and 
friends came in and wanted to call him Zacharias after his father; 
but Elizabeth said, “No; call him John.” 

They were very much surprised when Elizabeth said this, and 
turning to Zacharias, they made signs to know what name he wished 
him called. 

Zacharias asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, “His 
name is John,” and at once he began to speak and praise God. 

And he thanked God for keeping his promise about sending a 
Messiah. And then, turning to his little new-born son, he said, “And 



26 


THE BIRTH OF ]OHN. 















































































































































































































































































































































































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


27 


thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt 
go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways.” 

That was just what the angel had told Zacharias in the temple. 
At that time Zacharias had not believed that what the angel said 
would ever come true; but now he believed it with all his heart. 

When the friends left the happy parents, they told all they met 
what they had seen and heard, and many wondered what manner of 
man John would be. 

We do not know much about John when a boy, but he grew to be 
a strong and good man, and the grace of God was upon him. 

0*OK3*0 

Jesus is Born. 

You will remember I told you that Mary lived in the little town 
of Nazareth, and that she and Joseph, her husband, were both de¬ 
scended from King David. Now, the name of the king who was 
ruling over the Jews was Herod. 

Herod had been made king by the Roman emperor, Augustus 
Caesar; for the Jews were servants to the Romans at this time. 

The Jews did not like Herod at all, for he was so cruel and 
wicked; but they could not help themselves, and they longed for the 
Messiah to come and deliver them from the Romans and rule the 
people himself. 

The Roman emperor made the people pay him a certain amount 
of money as a tax; and in order to pay this tax, each person had to 
go to the city of his or her ancestors or fathers and be enrolled. 

And so it happened that Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth 
to Bethlehem, where David used to live, to pay this money or tax. 

It was a long journey—nearly seventy miles. They could not 
go on the cars or in easy carriages. They must either walk, or ride 
on donkeys. 

No doubt, Mary was very tired when they arrived at Bethlehem; 
so they went to the inn, or place where travelers stopped, to sleep. 


LkS 


FAVORITE STORIES 


But the inn was full of people, and there was no room for them; 
so they went to the stable and stayed there. 

While they were in the stable that night, God gave Mary the little 
son that the angel had promised her; and she called his name Jesus. 

Mary had prepared clothes for the babe, such as they used in 
those days; and when she had dressed him, she laid him in a manger. 

So you see, children, it was not in a beautiful house, such as rich 
people live in, that Jesus was born. He was horn in a stable in 
Bethlehem. 

We can imagine that we see the cows and oxen standing around, 
or perhaps lying down asleep. This was where Jesus, God’s dear 
Son, was born. 

Perhaps there were others in the stable, but they did not know 
what a glorious babe had been born. Mary must have been very 
happy. 

OOK>0 

Angels Visit the Shepherds. 

At the time when this little babe was born in the stable at Beth¬ 
lehem, other things happened that were of great interest. 

Out in the country there were shepherds who stayed in the field 
at night to watch over their flocks. 

There the fields had no fences around them, and there was great 
danger of the wild beasts’ coming and killing the sheep. For this 
reason some one had to stay with the sheep all the time to keep them 
from getting lost or killed. These men were called shepherds. 

David, who had been a great king many years before, was at 
first only a poor shepherd boy taking care of his father’s sheep. 

One day when he was caring for his flock, a lion came rushing 
out of the forest near by, and it would have killed one of the lambs; 
but David ran after him. God gave him strength, and David killed 
that lion. And another day a hear came in the same manner, and 
David killed it. 

That had happened more than a thousand years before; but still 



























































































































































































30 


FAVORITE STORIES 


the shepherds of Bethlehem were forced to watch their flocks by 
day and by night, lest some wild beast take them. 

On the night that Jesus was born, some shepherds were out in 
the field keeping watch over their sheep. 

All at once a bright light shone around them, and the angel of 
the Lord appeared. 

The shepherds were frightened, and they could not understand 
what it all meant; but the angel said, 4 ‘Fear not; for, behold, I bring 
you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ” And 
the angel told them that in Bethlehem was born a little child who 
was the Savior. 

He meant Jesus; for, you remember, he was to change our sinful 
hearts into good hearts, and to save us from being punished in the 
judgment-day. 

And the angel said that if these shepherds would go at once, they 
could see this little child. And the angel told them just how the 
babe would be dressed, and that they would find him lying in a manger. 

As soon as the angel had finished telling the shepherds this, a 
multitude of angels appeared, singing and praising God for his good¬ 
ness to the people who live upon this earth. And then the angels 
went up into heaven again, and the shepherds were left alone. 

When the angels had left them, the shepherds said, “Let us now 
go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, 
which the Lord hath made known unto us.” 

So they left their sheep, and made haste to Bethlehem, and came 
into the stable. There they found Mary, and Joseph her husband, 
and the little child lying in a manger. And they were glad when 
they saw Jesus. 

And after they had seen the child, they went out and told what 
the angel had said to them. And those who heard it were filled with 
wonder, for it was the first time they had ever heard of such a thing 
being done in the world. And the strange news spread fast. 

Then the shepherds went back to their sheep in the field; and 
as they went, they thanked and praised God because he had sent his 


































































































































































































32 


BRINGING GLAD NEWS TO THE SHEPHERDS 
























FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT . 


33 


angel to tell them about Jesus, and had let them go to see him in 
the stable in Bethlehem. 


0*0*OK3 

Jesus Brought to the Temple, and Simeon's Joy. 

Not many miles away was another and much larger city than 
either Nazareth or Bethlehem. Its name was Jerusalem, and it was 
the city where the beautiful temple had been built so many years 
before by Solomon, King David’s son. And it was in this city that 
King Herod now lived. 

Solomon’s temple had been destroyed long before, hut Herod had 
tried to rebuild it as nearly as possible like the first temple had been. 

To this beautiful temple, Joseph and Mary brought the child 
Jesus to present him to the Lord. 

Their law said that at such times they must bring a lamb to he 
sacrificed on the altar, but that those who could not afford to bring 
a lamb must bring instead a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons. 

As Joseph and Mary were poor, they brought, as their offering, 
two young pigeons. 

I will tell you later on how Jesus became a sacrifice for the 
world, and yielded up his life. 

Now, there lived in Jerusalem at this time a very old man named 
Simeon. He was a good man, and he had obeyed the commandments 
of God as well as he knew how. And he felt sure that he was not 
going to die until he saw the Savior. Day by day Simeon was looking 
for the Messiah to come. 

On the day when Jesus was presented in the temple, the Spirit 
of the Lord directed Simeon, also, to go to the temple; and there he 
saw Jesus. 

As soon as Simeon saw the child, he knew that this was the One 
for whose coming he had been waiting so long. 

He took the child in his arms, and praised God for his goodness, 

and asked that he might die, for now he had seen the Savior. 

3 



34 

































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


35 


And there was a woman named Anna, a prophetess, who lived 
near the temple. She was a widow and very old; but she worshiped 
God, with prayer and fasting day and night. 

While Simeon was speaking she, too, came into the temple where 
Jesus was, and thanked God because he had let her see the Savior. 
And when she went out, she told many people the glad news. 

Mary remembered all these things, and thought of them many 
times. 

0*0i*0*0 

The Star and the Wise Men. 

Among the many strange and wonderful things that happened 
about the time Jesus was born, was the appearance of a very bright 
star. 


There were certain men living in an Eastern country who were 
very wise, and who, no doubt, had studied much about the stars in 
the sky as well as about many other things. 



THE BETHLEHEM STAR. 


These men knew by what they had read and heard that the time 
had come when God was going to send the Messiah for whom the 
Jews were looking; and when they saw this bright star, so different 
from the rest, they knew that it meant something. Some of them 








36 


FAVORITE STORIES 


started at once, for they were very anxious to see the king God 
had sent. 

It was a long, tiresome journey, but these men did not mind 
that; they were longing to see the Savior, who they felt sure had 
come down from heaven. 

No doubt, they talked about Jesus all the way, and expected to 
see some great person in a beautiful mansion and longed to fall down 
and worship him. 

They came to Jerusalem; but after they arrived there, they could 
not find Jesus. They spoke to the people, saying, ‘ 4 Where is he that 
is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and 
are come to worship him.” But the people did not seem to know. 

When Herod heard what the wise men had said, that a child 
was born who would be king of the Jews, he thought of himself, and 
he was not pleased. He wanted to be king, and feared that Jesus 
was going to take the throne from him. 

Then Herod hated the child from that moment, and made up his 
mind to kill Jesus if possible. But Jesus was God’s Son, and no 
one could kill him unless God said so. 

Herod called all the chief priests and scribes; for they were men 
who had studied the Bible a great deal, and who could explain what 
the prophets had said about Jesus. And Herod asked them where 
the Messiah or Christ should be born. Their answer was that he 
should be born in Bethlehem of Judea. 

When Herod heard this, he called the wise men to him, and asked 
them all about the star they had seen in their own country. And he 
sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search for the young 
child; and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I 
may come and worship him also.” 

Now, Herod did not say this because he wanted to worship Jesus; 
it was because he hated him, and wanted to put him to death. 

So the wise men left Jerusalem, and started to go to Bethlehem. 
As they were going, they saw the same star that they had seen in 
their own country. 



THE WTSE MEN FOLLOWING THE STAR 


37 














































38 


FAVORITE STORIES 


This made them glad; for it moved on ahead of them, and guided 
them to Bethlehem. Then it stood still right over the house where 
the young child was. And when they went into the house, there they 
saw the young child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and 
worshiped the infant Jesus. 

And they presented to him rich and costly gifts, which they had 
brought with them; for it was the custom in those days to take rich 
presents when going to visit a king. 

o:< d*o*o 

Great Sorrow in the Land. 

We might imagine wonderful things about the visit of the wise 
men, but the Bible only tells us that they were very happy because 
they had found the Savior. And they fell down and worshiped him. 

And when they had given him the treasures they had brought, 
they returned to their homes in the Eastern country. 

God warned them before they left not to return to Herod nor let 
him know anything about Jesus. Herod wanted to know where Jesus 
was only that he might send soldiers to destroy him. 

So the wise men did not go near Herod, but returned home 
another way; and Herod could not find out anything more about the 
young child. 

Now, after Herod had waited a long time, and at last found that 
the wise men were not going to come back and tell him what he 
desired to know, he became very angry, and thoughts more wicked 
than ever came into his mind. 

The death of Jesus was what he craved; for the wise men had 
asked, 44 Where is he that is born king of the Jews?” Herod, no 
doubt, thought of this saying very often; and fearing that when Jesus 
grew to be a man he would become king, he thought of this wicked 
plan to destroy Jesus: Herod sent soldiers, and told them to kill 
every little boy of two years old and under, in the town of Bethle¬ 
hem and in all the country round about. 



ON THE WAY TO EGYPT 


39 



























































































































































































































































































































































































40 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Oil, how terrible it must have been! Mothers could not save their 
babies. They were snatched from their arms by the cruel soldiers, 
and killed before their eyes. 

But Joseph and Mary were not among these sorrowing parents. 
Jesus was not one of the children who were slain. With all Herod’s 
trouble, he had failed to destroy the one whom he desired. The one 
child of whom he was afraid was now far away from Bethlehem. 

The angel of the Lord had warned Joseph in a dream, and told 
him that Herod would seek to destroy Jesus. And the angel told 
him to take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and 
stay there until told to return. 

Joseph did not wait. He rose at once, and did as the angel said. 

At the death of Herod, the angel again appeared to Joseph, and 
told him it would be safe to return to his old home. Joseph obeyed, 
and he would have gone to Bethlehem; but he heard that Herod’s 
son Archelaus was king, and so went to his old home in Nazareth. 

o*o*o*o 

The King’s Plan Defeated. 

In Bethlehem was weeping, 

Yes, weeping all the day; 

Sad mothers there were mourning. 

Their grief no one could stay. 

What meant such great lamenting ? 

Ah! soldiers came, you see, 

And slew each mother’s darling— 

Her baby from her knee. 

I’ll tell a little story 
Of how it came about. 

You see, the king had slyly 
Sent all these soldiers out; 

For he had heard just lately 
A little child was born 

Who some day might be taking 
The crown that he had worn. 


FROM THE NEW TEST AM ENT. 


41 


T^V 'U.i ■; .t 


This caused the king much worry, 
And brought a jealous thought; 
Perhaps if he would hurry, 

The young child might be caught. 
So that was why the army 
Had gone in haste that day 
With orders that each baby 
’Neath two years old they slay. 

But while the king was planning, 

An angel came one night, 

And left this little warning: 

“The child must take its flight.” 
No time was lost by waiting 
To prove this warning true, 

But Joseph soon was hastening 
With child and mother, too. 

They left the place of danger, 

Nor shared the sorrow there; 

They took the little stranger 
To Egypt with great care. 

The trouble was all over 
When they from Egypt came. 

This baby was our Savior, 

Christ Jesus was his name. 

i 

0*0*0*C2 

The Boyhood of Jesus. 


The Bible says very little about the boyhood days of Jesus; but 
we know that he lived in Nazareth, and that Joseph was a carpenter, 
and Jesus must have spent many hours helping Joseph with his work. 

And as he grew, he was filled with wisdom and with the grace 
of God. Mary thought many times of the strange and wonderful 
things connected with his birth, and wondered what they all meant. 

The Jews had certain feasts that they kept in remembrance of 



42 


FAVORITE STORIES 



things that had happened years before. One of these feasts was more 
important than all the rest. It was called the Passover. 

A great many years before this the Jews, who were then called the 
children of Israel, were slaves to the king of Egypt. This king was 
very cruel to them, and they were forced to work so bard that their 
lives were very miserable. 

God was very much displeased with this king, and he told him 


to let the people return to their own country; but Pharaoh, for that 
was the king’s name, would not let them go. 

At last, God punished Pharaoh and all the people of Egypt by 
sending an angel one night to every Egyptian’s house. This angel 
caused the eldest child in each home to die. But the angel passed 
over every house belonging to God’s people, and none of them were 
slain. 

This thing made Pharaoh afraid, and he let the children of Israel 


JESUS IN THE MIDST OF THE DOCTORS OF THE LAW. 








FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT . 


43 


return to their own land in Canaan. But before they went God told 
them to prepare a feast. 

They were to roast a lamb with fire, and eat it quickly just before 
leaving Egypt. And God said that they must remember the night 
on which the angel passed over their homes, and that they must always 
have a feast at that time each year. And they were to tell their 
children all about God’s kindness in delivering them from Egypt. 

They always remembered this time, and the feast was called the 
Passover. They ate it in Jerusalem once every year. 

You remember that Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth 
their old home, nearly seventy miles from Jerusalem. It was a long 
distance, but every year they went to Jerusalem to keep the feast 
of the Passover. When Jesus was about twelve years old, they took 
him with them. 

When the feast was over, they started to return home, and they 
had gone quite a distance when they discovered that Jesus was not 
with them. 

That is somewhat the way it is with some people to-day who start 
on their journey to heaven. They have seen Jesus in their midst, 
and they become careless and suppose that he is somewhere close. 

All at once they wake up to the fact that Jesus is not with them, 
but is with those who are anxious to hear the wonderful story of his 
Father’s love; and they can not find him without searching diligently. 

We will not talk of that now, but that was just what Joseph and 
Mary had to do. They returned to Jerusalem, and after searching 
diligently for Jesus three days, found him in the temple. 

There he was surrounded by the doctors of the law, and those 
who understood the Bible, both hearing them and asking them ques¬ 
tions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding 
and answers. 

Mary and Joseph were very much surprised and pleased to find 
how well he understood the Bible. But Mary reproved him for caus¬ 
ing them so much trouble and worry, and told him that they had 
thought he was lost. 

i - t ... . 
























































































































































FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


45 


Jesus asked them whether they did not know that he must be 
about his Father’s business. Mary thought of this answer many 
times. But Jesus obeyed and went home with her to Nazareth, and 
remained there helping Joseph until he was thirty years old. 

Many people loved Jesus, and they were surprised at his great 
wisdom; but only a few knew that he was the Son of God. The time 
had not come for them to know this publicly. 


cz>:<z>*<o 

The Story of John the Baptist. 

We now come to the time when the Jews heard that a prophet 
was living in their land. In the days gone by there had been many 
prophets. These were men who listened for God to speak to them. 
After God had spoken, they would tell the people his words. 

But many years had passed since there had been a prophet in 
the land; and when the people heard the joyful news, they went and 
listened to his words, that they might know what message God was 
sending them. 

This new prophet was none other than John, son of Zacharias and 
Elizabeth. You remember that I told you what the angel told Zach¬ 
arias in the temple—that John would prepare the way for the Savior. 

And after he was born, his father said, “And thou, child, shall 
be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the 
face of the Lord to prepare his ways.” 

John lived in the wilderness, where he was alone with God and 
listened to God’s voice. He did not look nor dress like other men. 
His clothes were made of rough cloth, woven from camel’s hair; 
around his waist was a girdle of skin; and he ate locusts and wild 
honey. 

And this was what John said: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, 
make his paths straight.” This meant that the Savior was coming, 
and that the people must get ready to receive him, by confessing their 


46 


FAVORITE STORIES 


sins. Then they must be sorry because they had disobeyed God, and 
they must promise God that they would not sin any more. 

And John said he would baptize them, which meant that he would 
lay them down quickly under the water, and lift them right out again. 
This was to signify that they were washed from their old sins, and 
to show that they never intended to sin any more. 

You know when any one dies, he is buried in the ground. And 
to be baptized, or buried in the water, means that you are dead to 
sin, and that you do not mean to sin any more. And when you come 
up out of the water, it represents the new life you mean to live. 

John baptized many people who were sorry for their sins, and 
who had asked God to forgive them; and the people called him John 
the Baptist. He did not know who the Savior was, for he lived 
many miles from Nazareth, Jesus’ home; but John knew that he 
was coming. 

Some of the people wondered whether John were not the Savior 
they were looking for; but when they asked, he told them no. He 
said, “I baptize you with water; but there is one coming who will 
baptize you with the Holy Spirit, whose shoes I am not worthy to 
bear.” 

One day as John was preaching, and baptizing the people in the 
river Jordan, Jesus came from his home in Nazareth to be baptized. 

Now, John did not know that this was God’s dear Son; but some¬ 
thing seemed to tell him that Jesus had never committed any sins to 
be sorry for. And John asked him why he came to be baptized. 
Jesus answered and said that it was God’s plan, and right that he, 
as the Son of God, should submit to obey the ordinances of God; and 
then John baptized him. 

As soon as this was done, and Jesus went up out of the water, 
a wonderful thing happened. The heavens were opened unto him, 
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting 
upon him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, 
in whom I am well pleased.” 

John then knew that Jesus was the Son of God, the Savior sent 



47 


JOHN THE BAP-TIST PREACH-ING IN THE WIL-DER-NESS. 

























































































































48 


FAVORITE STORIES 


from heaven; for he had been told that this would be the sign by | 
which he would know the Savior. 

Jesus was now about thirty years of age* And he went out into 
the wilderness, and stayed there alone for forty days and nights. All 
this time he ate nothing, but spent the time in prayer to God. After- } 
ward he was hungry. J 

o>oio>o 

Satan Tempts Jesus. 

You remember how Satan tempted Eve to disobey God, and in 
this way caused every one to be born with sin in his heart. And 
when Satan saw Jesus coming to take this sinful nature from the 
people, and make their hearts pure, like Adam’s and Eve’s were 
before they yielded to the voice of the tempter, he thought he would 
try to prevent him. ^ ; 

For forty days he tempted Jesus in every way that we are tempted,. 
All this time Jesus was in the wilderness, and he had eaten nothing. 
The last temptation was that he would exercise his divine power to 
prove that he was really the Son of God. 

Knowing that Jesus was hungry, Satan thought to tempt him 
with something to eat, the same as he did Eve. He said, “If thou 
be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread,” But 
Jesus answered him by quoting passages from the Bible. He said, 
“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word 
that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” 

How different was this temptation from that of Adam and Eve’s! 
There they were in the beautiful garden, with all they could desire 
to make them happy; but with the first temptation they yielded to sin. 
While Jesus was in the lonely wilderness wanting food, Satan came 
and tempted him to eat to satisfy his hunger. But Jesus believed 
that God would supply his needs, and he would not distrust nor 
disobey him. 

Then Satan tried another plan to make Jesus sin. He brought 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


49 


him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said 
to him, ‘‘If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is 
written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their 



JESUS COMMANDS SATAN TO FLEE. 

hands shall they bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot 
against a stone”; but Jesus answered, “Thou shalt not tempt the 
Lord thy God.” 

And then Satan took him into a very high mountain, from which 
he could see many kingdoms and their glory. And he told Jesus 
that he might have all these things if he would only fall down and 
worship him. 

Jesus then told him to go, for God was the only one who ought 


4 













50 


FAVORITE STORIES 


to be worshiped. Then Satan left and angels came and gave Jesus 
the things he needed. 

Thus Jesus overcame all of Satan’s temptations, and went about 
teaching the people. He knew now just what temptations the people 
would have; for Satan had tempted him on every line upon which they 
would be tempted—first, the appetite; secondly, pride; and thirdly, 
the love of gain. 

In none of these things had Jesus disobeyed God, and now he 
was ready to tell the people that he was the Savior for whom they 
had been looking. 

C^OK>JO 

The Lamb of God. 

When Jesus had been tempted on all points on which we are 
liable to be tempted, he returned from the wilderness to the place 
where he had been baptized. 

The next day John the Baptist saw him, and said: “Behold the 
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! This is he 
of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before 
me; for he was before me. This is the Son of God.” 

John called Jesus the Lamb of God, because he was to be offered 
up as a sacrifice on the cross, as the lambs were offered upon the 
altar. 

Two men that heard John the Baptist’s words, followed Jesus. 
One was Andrew, and the other, though not named, is supposed to 
have been John. 

When Jesus saw them following him, he asked whom they were 
seeking? They answered by calling him “Master,” and by asking 
where he was staying. Jesus said, “Come and see.” And one of 
them, named Andrew, brought his brother Simon Peter, also. 

Andrew told his brother that he had found the Messiah, the one 
for whom they had been looking so long. The next day Jesus found 
Philip, and said, “Follow me.” 

Philip was very glad when he found Jesus, and he went and 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


51 


told his friend Nathanael that he had found him of whom Moses 
and the prophets had written, Jesus of Nazareth. 

Nathanael could scarcely believe that Philip’s words were true; 
for he said, i6 Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” 
(But, you remember, Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, where 
the prophets said he would be born.) Philip’s answer was, “Come 
and see.” 

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said, “Behold an Israelite 
indeed, in whom is no guile!” 

These words surprised Nathanael, and he could not understand 
how Jesus knew him so well. But when Jesus said, “Before that 
Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee,” 
he believed, and said, “Thou art the Son of God; thou art the King 
of Israel.” Perhaps the place under the fig-tree was a place of 
secret prayer that Nathanael supposed no one but himself knew any¬ 
thing about. If this were true, it is no wonder that he was convinced. 

Jesus asked Nathanael if his reason for believing was because 
he had said, “I saw thee under the fig-tree,” and then he said, “Thou 
shalt see greater things than these.” 

Thus these five became disciples or followers of Jesus. 

Jesus Visits His Old Home. 

Jesus, we have seen, left his home in Nazareth to be baptized 
by John in the river Jordan. Some time afterward he returned to 
Nazareth, where his mother still lived. 

Mary’s heart must have been glad when she learned that there 
were other people who were beginning to see and believe that Jesus 
was the Son of God. 

On the Sabbath-day when the people met in the synagogue to 
worship God, Jesus stood up to read, and he read from the book of 
Isaiah these words: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he 
hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me 


52 


FAVORITE STORIES 


to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and 
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 
to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” See Luke 4: 18, 19 
and Isa. 61: 1. 

And he closed the hook, and gave it again to the minister, and 
sat down. And the eyes of all were fastened upon him. 

After this, Jesus told them that this scripture was now fulfilled. 

The people were all surprised at the words of Jesus, and they 
wondered much at what they heard; for had not Jesus lived among 
them all his life*? Some said, ‘‘Is not this Joseph’s son?” and they 
could not believe that he was God’s Son. 

But Jesus was not surprised; he knew just how it would be. 
Every one could be saved, who would obey God’s call to repentance, 
and would desire salvation. Jesus could not save any against their 
will. 

The people of Nazareth were so angry that they wanted to kill 
Jesus because he told them the truth, and they took him to 4 4 the 
brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast 
him down headlong.” 

But God’s time had not come for Jesus to die, and he passed 
through their midst, and went away to the city of Capernaum. Here 
the people heard him, and wondered at his words and wisdom. 

c>:*c>:<D*o> 

The Wedding of Cana. 

And now I am going to tell you of the first miracle Jesus did. 
A miracle is any wonderful thing that is done, that no man could do 
of himself. 

Jesus was invited to a wedding or marriage in Cana, which was 
a small place not far from Nazareth, his old home. And we find 
that Jesus went. His disciples and mother went also. 

It was the custom to prepare a great feast whenever a marriage 


FROM THE NEW TEST A M E NT. 


53 


took place, and often tliis feast would last a long time; and wine was 
served at such times. 

Now, these people must have been poor, and not able to provide 
as much wine as was needed for the feast; for we read that when they 
wanted more wine, there was none. 



THE FIRST MIRACLE. 


When Mary, the mother of Jesus, saw that the wine was gone, 
she went and told Jesus. Mary believed that Jesus could help them, 
and bade the servants do whatever he told them. Then a very won¬ 
derful thing happened. 

There were usually large stone jars kept in each home for the 






54 


FAVORITE STORIES 


purpose of holding water; for the Jews liked to wash their hands 
and their feet often. Jesus told them to fill these jars with water, 
and they filled them to the brim. 

When the jars were all full, Jesus said, “Draw out now and bear 
unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.” When the 
governor had tasted of the water that was made into wine, he called 
the bridegroom to him, and said, “Every man at the beginning doth 
set forth good wine, but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” 
He did not know of the miracle that Jesus had done, but the servants 
knew. 

This was the first time that Jesus used the power God had given 
him, to do what no other man could do. 

When his disciples saw this miracle, they believed on Jesus more 
fully than they did before. 

After this, Jesus went with his mother, his brethren, and his dis¬ 
ciples to a place called Capernaum, on the shore of Galilee. But 
they did not stay there long; for the feast of the Passover was near, 
and you remember that Jesus went up every year to attend it. 

o:<3*c>xz} 

The Feast of the Passover. 

As Jesus went up to Jerusalem and passed on his way up to the 
temple, how sorrowful his heart must have been to see the great 
crowd of people with hearts so full of sin, and to know that the greater 
part of them would never be saved. The Passover feast was kept 
by many of them only as a sort of holiday. 

When Jesus reached the temple, he beheld a sight that was still 
more sad. There in the beautiful temple that had been built as a 
house where they could worship God, were men who had brought 
many things to sell, such as oxen, sheep, and doves. These, they 
knew, would be needed as sacrifices, and their hearts were so hardened 
by sin that they dared to make their money in this way. 

What did Jesus do when he saw them? He made a whip of many 


FROM THE NEW TES TAM ENT. 


55 


small cords, and he drove them all out of the temple, and also the 
sheep and the oxen; “and he poured out the changers’ money, and 
overthrew the tables. ” 



THE MONEY CHANGERS DRIVEN OUT. 


He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away; make 
not my Father’s house a place to buy and sell in.” Then his dis¬ 
ciples remembered something they had read in the Bible: “The zeal 
of thine house hath eaten me up,” and they thought that this was 
what these words meant. 

Although the men whom Jesus had driven out of the temple hated 
him, yet they knew that they had done wickedly to allow such deeds 
to be done in the temple, and they did not dare to resist or complain. 












56 


FAVORITE STORIES 


After their surprise was over, some of the Jews came to him to 
ask by what authority he did these things. 

There had been many wonderful things done by the old prophets: 
the waters of the Red Sea had rolled back before Moses (Ex. 14: 21); 
Samuel had brought down a storm of thunder and rain (1 Sam. 12: 
18); and Elijah had called down fire from heaven to burn up his 
sacrifice. 1 Kings 18: 37, 38. Now what sign was Jesus going to 
show them. 

But Jesus would not do as they wished—give them a sign. He 
wanted them to look at his life and actions. These would he enough 
to convince them that he was the promised Savior. 

However, he gave them a very strange answer. He said, 4 ‘De¬ 
stroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 

The Jews did not know what to think when Jesus said this. They 
said that it had taken forty-six years to build that temple, and asked 
if he thought that he could rebuild it in three days. But Jesus was 
speaking of what they would soon do to him, for he knew that they 
would crucify him. 

He meant that although they would destroy his body, he would 
rise from the grave the third day. 

His disciples remembered these words, although they did not then 
understand them. But after Jesus had risen % again from the dead, 
they wrote them down, so that we, too, might know them. 

But there were many at the feast who did believe that Jesus was 
the Son of God. 


okz>*o*o 

Nicodemus the Pharisee. 

The Pharisees were a people who believed that a Messiah was 
coming to be their king; but they were very proud, and thought them¬ 
selves better than any one who was not a Pharisee. They tried to 
show, by their strict and careful way of living, how good they were; 
but in their hearts were many unkind thoughts of others. 



JESUS TALKING TO NICODEMUS 


57 

















58 


FAVORITE STORIES 


They thought that when the Messiah did come, he would he just 
like other kings on the earth, and that when he saw what good lives 
they were living, he would give them the chief places in his kingdom, 
and make much of them. 

Now, the Messiah had come. He was Jesus of Nazareth. But 
these proud Pharisees could not believe that he was the One for whom 
they were looking. 

They talked about it much, and the miracles that Jesus was doing 
filled them with wonder. If only he were rich, they might believe 
that he was the One for whom they were looking. 

Now, there was one of these Pharisees named Nicodemus, who 
thought over the things he had heard about Jesus. He felt that he 
should like to know more, and so decided to go to Jesus and learn 
for himself. The Bible says he went by night. Perhaps he was 
ashamed to go in the day time, for fear of being seen. 

And he said to Jesus, “We know that thou art a teacher come 
from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except 
God be with him.” 

Jesus knew that Nicodemus’ heart was not right, and so he told 
him that if he were not born again he could never see the kingdom 
of God, nor understand the things which he heard and saw. 

How surprised Nicodemus was at this answer! He said, “How 
can a man be born when he is old?” But Jesus meant that 
unless a man’s heart was cleansed from sin, and he became as a little 
child before it knew what sin was, he could not enter heaven. 

You remember I told you that all little children are born with 
sin in their hearts; but when they die, they go to heaven. Perhaps 
this was what Jesus was telling Nicodemus; but the proud Pharisee 
could not understand, and he said, “How can these things be?” 

Jesus said, “Art thou a teacher in Israel, and yet dost not know 
these things?” And he said that it would be useless to tell him of 
heavenly things if he could not understand earthly things. 

Many years before, Moses lifted up a serpent made of brass, for 
the children of Israel to look at when they were in the wilderness. 


FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


59 


Many of the people had been bitten by fiery serpents, and Moses said 
that if they would look at the serpent he was holding up before them, 
they would live, and not die. Many did look and were saved. 

And Jesus said that as Moses had lifted up the serpent in the 
wilderness, even so must the Son of God be lifted up, and that who¬ 
ever believed on him should not die, but should have everlasting life. 

Jesus thus spoke of his death, of his being nailed to a cross and 
lifted up; and he said it was because God loved the world so much 
that he sent his own Son to save them. But the people had become 
so sinful that they loved to do wrong rather than right. 

c>:<3*o*o 

Nicodemus the Pharisee. 

There was a man in Israel, 

A ruler ’mong the Jews, 

Who came to Jesus late one night 
To hear the gospel news. 

He’d heard the preaching of the day, 

And felt it was God’s Word; 

But, then, he knew how hatred filled 
The hearts of some who heard. 

These enemies of Christ were men 
Who stood in great repute: 

But many words that Jesus said 
Had often caused dispute; 

And as these men were rulers, too, 

And all proud Pharisees, 

Perhaps this man went in the night, 

Lest he might them displease. 

Perhaps he wished they might not know 
Of Christ more truth he’d hear; 

But this we know: his trip at night 
Would make it so appear. 


60 


FAVORITE STORIES 


He said, “Rabbi, a teacher true, 

Thou’rt surely from above; 

The miracles that thou hast done 
This fact to all should prove.” 

Then Jesus answered him in words 
That did not seem quite plain; 

He said that those who’d live above 
Must all be born again. 

So Nicodemus said at once, 

‘ ‘ How can this ever be ? ” 

The mystery was very great, 

Its truth he could not see. 

Now, Jesus meant all must be born 
In God’s great family, 

And Nicodemus might have seen 
The truth most easily. 

He thought Christ meant the fleshly birth 
Which made the truth seem dim; 

So Jesus with great care explained 
The myst’ry unto him. 

Then Jesus said it seemed so strange 
This man should be so slow 

To understand the mysteries 
He surely ought to know; 

For he had been a ruler long, 

And Israel oft had taught: 

It was so queer he could not see 
The truth which now he sought. 

And then Christ told how God had sent 
His dear and only Son, 

That sin might be condemned through him, 
Man’s future home be won. 

And last he said that ev’ry one 
Who would God’s truth reject 

Must live forever with the lost, 

And punishment expect. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


61 


Just how Christ’s words affected him 
The Bible does not tell, 

But we are sure a purer light 
Upon this man now fell. 

He must have been convinced that night 
That Jesus was God’s Son; 

This we infer from an event 
That happened later on. 

The Pharisees were trying hard 
To find some lawful way 
By which they might destroy the one 
They so much wished to slay; 

But ev’ry way which they had found 
No satisfaction brought, 

For none agreed, and all their plans 
Had thus far come to naught. 

• At last a band of men were sent 
With this command: “Go bring 
The one who dares to call himself 
The Jews’ long-promised king.” 

These men obeyed; but what took place, 
And all they heard that day, 

Made them afraid to touch the one 
Whom they’d been sent to slay. 

The people said, “This man must be 
The One for whom we seek, 

For no one else could utter words 
Like those we hear him speak.” 

Some said, “He is a prophet true;” 

And some, “ ’T is Christ indeed; ’ ’ 
While others said: “Nay, ’t is not so! 
How doth the scripture read?” 

While still the people argued there, 

The officers returned, 

And told the priests and Pharisees 
The things which they had learned; 


FAVORITE STORIES 


They said that never man thus spoke, 
And this reply received: 

“How is it that ye think this way? 
Are ye, too, all deceived? 

“Do any of us learned men. 

Or any Pharisee, 

Believe this man the promised Christ, 
Who comes to set us free ? 

The people that are thinking thus 
Know not the law we read. 

Doth Christ come out of Galilee? 

Nay, he’s of David’s seed, 

“And from the town of Bethlehem.” 

Yes. this was surely true; 

But Jesus was from this same town, 
Of David’s lineage, too. 

A voice that had been silent spoke, 
And said in accents clear, 

“How is it that ye judge a man 
Before his case you hear?” 

Now, Nicodemus was the one 
Who asked this question there. 

(You know he was the Pharisee 
Whom Jesus taught with care.) 

His words brought quickly this retort: 
“Art thou from Galilee? 

Go search and look, for from that place 
There can no prophet be. ’ ’ 

No more was done that night, we read; 

But later on we find 
The Pharisees succeeded quite 
The one they sought, to bind. 
Though falsely tried, they found a way 
Their hate to satisfy; 

For God had planned long, long before 
That his dear Son should die. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


63 


Now, Nicodemus saw that time 
With sad and aching heart. 

Although a ruler in the land, 

In this he took no part; 

But when the cruel deed was o’er, 

He came with spices sweet, 

Which round the form of one were bound 
• Whose work was now complete. 

CIX<I>KZ>J<Z) 

John’s Last Testimony of Jesus. 

When the feast of the Passover had ended, Jesus and his dis¬ 
ciples went into the cities of Judea, preaching, and baptizing the 
people. And at the same time John the Baptist and his disciples 
were preaching and baptizing in the cities farther north. 

Then the Pharisees spoke to John’s disciples of Jesus, and said 
that he was baptizing more disciples than John, and asked him whether 
it were right. Now, Jesus did not baptize any one, but his disciples 
baptized people in the name of Jesus. 

John answered: “Did I not tell you, I am not the Christ, hut 
am sent before him? He must increase, but I must decrease. The 
Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.” 

And John said that whoever (that means you and me) would 
believe that Jesus was God’s Son should be saved and have ever¬ 
lasting life; but that God’s wrath, or anger, would be upon all who 
would not believe on his Son. 

Afterward John continued to preach, but his work was nearly 
ended. God had sent him into the world to tell the people that his 
Son, Jesus, was coming, and to get them ready to receive him. And 
Jesus had come, and the people were gathering to hear him and know 
what he would say to them of heaven. 

John the Baptist at one time made King Herod angry with him 
by telling him that he had done wrong in marrying his brother Philip’s 
wife. This king was called Herod; but he was not the Herod who 
was ruling when Jesus was born, for you remember that that Herod 
died. 


64 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Now, this king had taken his own brother’s wife while his brother 
was still living. 

This woman’s name was Herodias. When she knew what John 
had said concerning her late marriage, she hated him, and decided 
she would have him killed if possible. 

Herod would have put John the Baptist to death; hut he knew 
that the Jews all thought John was a prophet, and he was afraid to 
kill him. So Herod had him bound and put into prison. 

When Jesus heard that John was cast into prison, he went from 
one town to another preaching, and saying, 4 ‘The time is fulfilled, 
and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. ’ ’ 

After John had been in prison a long time, Herod, on his birth¬ 
day, made a grand feast for all the great men of Galilee. And the 
daughter of Herodias came in and danced before them. Herod was 
greatly pleased with her for this, and he said, “Ask of me whatso¬ 
ever thou wilt, and I will give it thee, even to the half of my kingdom. ” 

What a rash thing for a king to say! The girl went at once to 
her mother and said, “What shall I ask?” And her mother said, 
“The head of John the Baptist.” She meant that she wanted John’s 
head cut off; and her daughter hastened back to the king, and told 
him to give her John’s head in a large dish. 

The king was very sorry when he heard this, yet he had prom¬ 
ised; and so he sent soldiers to the prison, who cut off John’s head 
and brought it in a dish and gave it to the girl, and she gave it to 
her mother. 

When John’s disciples heard of this, they went and took up his 
body. And they carried it lovingly, and laid it in a tomb. Then 
they went and told Jesus what had happened, and Jesus comforted 
them. 

C>>CI>>C3*0> 

Jesus at Jacob’s Well in Sychar. 

One day Jesus went to Sychar, a city of Samaria. This was 
near the piece of ground that Jacob had bought at one time and had 



5 



























































































































































































66 


FAVORITE STORIES 


given to his son Joseph; and when the children of Israel returned 
from Egypt, they brought Joseph’s bones and buried them there. 
Josh. 24: 32. And Jacob’s well was also there. 

Now, the people of Samaria were not altogether of the same 
race as the Jews. A great many years before, the king of Assyria 
had taken most of the children of Israel captive; that is, made them 
his slaves. Then he sent some strange people back to that part 
of the country; and they made their homes in Samaria, and mixed 
with the children of Israel that were left there. 

After a while the children of Israel that had been taken captive 
returned to their old homes, hut they did not like the people that 
were living in Samaria. They had many quarrels, and they would 
not have any more to do with one another than was necessary. 

They had felt thus for many years; and the Samaritans had their 
place of worship in Mt. Gerizim instead of in Jerusalem. 

Now, it happened that Jesus must pass through Samaria. Jesus 
would not help nor encourage them in their quarrel. He loved all 
men, and he wanted to see the Samaritans saved as well as the Jews 
or any one else. 

It happened that when he reached Jacob’s well, he was very 
tired, and he sat down to rest. It was nearly noon, and his disciples 
had gone to buy something for their dinner. 

While he was resting, he wished for some of the nice, cool water 
from the well; but it was deep, and he had nothing with which to 
draw the water. Then one of the women of Samaria came to the 
well to draw some water, and Jesus asked her to give him a drink. 

How surprised she was to hear Jesus ask her to give him a drink! 
And she said, “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, 
who am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with 
the Samaritans.” Jesus answered that if she knew who was asking 
her for a drink, she would have asked of him, that he might have 
given her living water. 

She did not understand what Jesus meant by “living water”; 
but she soon saw that he was a great prophet, and she asked him a 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


67 


question which had long puzzled her and her people. She said, “Our 
fathers worshiped in this mountain; and ye say that Jerusalem is 
the place where men ought to worship.” 

Jesus answered her, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know 
what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews.” But he also said 
the time was coming when they would not go up to Jerusalem, neither 
on that mountain, to worship the Father. God is a Spirit, he said, 
and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 

The woman said, “I know that Messiah cometli, which is called 
Christ: when he has come, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said, 
“I that speak unto thee am he.” Then the woman hastened back 
to tell her friends that she had found the Savior, and they came at 
once to see him. 

The disciples were very much surprised that Jesus would talk 
so earnestly with a Samaritan woman, but they did not ask him any 
questions. 

While the woman was gone to tell her friends, his disciples brought 
the food they had bought, and asked him to eat. But Jesus answered 
that he had meat to eat that they knew not of. 

They did not understand what he meant, and asked if any one 
had brought him food; but Jesus said, “My meat is to do the will 
of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” This explained what 
he meant. He loved to do his Father’s will more than to eat or to 
rest, or even his life. 

Then many of the Samaritans came to see Jesus, and they be¬ 
lieved on him because they heard what the woman said of him. For 
she had said, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever 
I did: is not this the Christ?” 

As they listened to Jesus, they forgot that he was a Jew, and 
they longed to have him stay with them. So Jesus remained two 
days in the city. And many more believed because of his own word; 
and they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of thy 
saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed 
the Christ, the Savior of the world.” 


68 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Jesus Telling How the Gentiles will Receive Him. 

The people of Nazareth were too ignorant and too selfish to 
receive the good news Jesns had to bring them. They had driven 
him from their midst. 

Jesus had told them two stories from the Old Testament, which 
showed that in the time past the Gentiles had sometimes been more 
ready to accept the gifts of God than had the Jews themselves. 

The first story was about the great prophet Elijah. He lived 
in the reign of Ahab, a wicked king, whose sins were so great that 
God punished him by not sending any rain upon the earth for three 
years and six months. Jas. 5: 17. This caused a terrible famine in 
the land. 

And God sent Elijah into Zarephath, a city of the Gentiles, to 
dwell, and said, “I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain 
thee.” As Elijah drew near to the gate of the city, he saw the widow 
gathering sticks, and asked her to give him something to eat. 

But the famine had reached even to this place, and she answered, 
“I have only a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse; 
and now I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress 
it for me and my son, that we may eat and die.” 

But Elijah said unto her: “Fear not; go and do as thou hast 
said; hut first make me a little cake, and bring it unto me. After 
this make for thee and thy son.” And Elijah said, “The barrel of 
meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the Lord 
send rain upon the earth.” 

When the poor woman heard these words, she received him gladly, 
and shared with him the food of which she had expected to make her 
last meal. And it was as Elijah said—they had plenty until the 
rain came. 

The other story was about Elisha and Naaman the leper. Now, 
Naaman was of the country of Syria. The Syrians had in war taken 
a little girl from the people of Israel. This little girl became a 
slave in the house of Naaman. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


69 


Naaman was a brave man, and a great general; but he had the 
dreadful disease leprosy, which no one could cure. But when the little 
servant girl heard of it, she said, “If my master would go to the 
prophet in Israel, he would recover him of his disease.’’ 

Naaman wished very much to get well, and went to Samaria to 
the prophet of Israel. Elisha told him to go and bathe himself seven 
times in the river Jordan, and he would be made well. This he 
did, and God healed him. 

When Jesus had told the people of Nazareth these two stories, 
he said, “Many widows were in Israel, but Elijah was sent to a 
widow in a Gentile city; and many lepers were in Israel in the time 
of Elisha, but none of them were cleansed, saving Naaman the 
Syrian. ’ ’ 

Jesus told the people this to show them that the Gentiles would 
then more gladly hear and receive his teaching than would they who 
were known as the people of God. 

By the story of the woman at the well, you can see how gladly 
the people of Samaria received Jesus. 

The Nobleman’s Faith. 

Two days had passed since Jesus had preached to the people in 
Samaria, and he now went into Galilee to visit the towns and cities. 

Nazareth was in Galilee, where the people were made so angry 
when Jesus told them that the Gentiles were as near to the kingdom 
of heaven as themselves., Jesus knew how they felt toward him, 
for he had told them that a prophet had no honor in his own country. 

But when he came to the other towns of Galilee, the people gladly 
listened to his words; for they remembered all the things he did at 
Jerusalem during the feast. And Jesus again went into Cana, where 
he had made the water wine. 

Now, in Capernaum, a city about thirteen miles from Cana, lived 
a certain nobleman, whose son was very sick, and ready to die. His 


70 


FAVORITE STORIES 


parents had done all they knew to do for him, but still he grew worse. 

When the nobleman heard that Jesus was in Cana, he was glad; 
for he had heard of the miracle concerning the wine, and he felt 
sure that Jesus could heal his son. So he went at once to Cana. 

The nobleman soon found Jesus; for every one was now filled 
with wonder, and much was said of the man who claimed to be the 
Son of God. 

How glad Jesus must have been to see the man come to him in 
his trouble! for Jesus is always glad when any bring their troubles 
to him. 

The nobleman had great faith. He believed that if Jesus but 
saw his son, he would be healed. Jesus told the nobleman to return 
home, for the child was well. The nobleman believed that what Jesus 
said was true; and on his way home he met. his servants, who were 
bringing him the good news that his son was better. 

He asked his servants at what hour the child began to get better; 
and when told, he knew that it was the same hour that Jesus spoke 
the words, “Thy son liveth.” Then he told his household how the 
word of Jesus had been able to cure his son, and they all believed 
that lie must be the Son of God. 

This was the second miracle that Jesus did in Galilee. 


o*o* o*o 

The Pool of Bethesda. 

The Jews had many feasts in Jerusalem, and now they were to 
have another, and Jesus went up to it. 

Now in Jerusalem where the sheep were brought to be sold, was 
a pool of water. The pool was called Bethesda, and around it were 
five porches, in which were laid a great many persons that were sick, 
or lame, or blind. These people believed that at certain times an 
angel came down into the pool and caused the water to move or be 
troubled, and that whoever stepped into the troubled water first would 
be healed of whatever disease he had. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT . 


71 



When Jesus came to the pool, he saw a certain man there who 
had been sick for thirty-eight years. This was a long time, and 
Jesus felt very sorry for the poo** man. How loving and thoughtful 
the dear Savior was of all who were needing help in any way. His 
heart was touched, for he asked if the man would like to be made 
well. 


The man answered him, “Sir, I have no man, when the water is 
troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another 
steppeth down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up thy 
bed, and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, and he 


THE POOL OF BE-THES-DA. 




FAVORITE STORIES 


n 

took up his bed and walked. This happened on the Sabbath-day. 

Now, the Jews kept Saturday as the Sabbath, because in their 
law or Bible it said that they must keep the seventh day holy. God 
had been six days in creating the earth and all upon it, and he rested 
on the seventh day, and hallowed it. And the Jews were taught that 
it was wrong for them to do any kind of labor on that day. 

But Jesus wanted them to get where they would want to keop 
every day for the Lord; that is, not on any day do bad things, nor 
feel bad things in their hearts. For although the Jews kept the 
Sabbath-day by not doing any work, they thought many bad and 
wicked thoughts, and were far from being holy. 

So now the Jews, wishing to find fault with Jesus, said to the 
man, “It is the Sabbath-day, and it is not lawful for thee to carry 
thy bed.” The man answered, “He that made me well, said, Take 
up thy bed and walk.” Then they asked who had made him well. 
But the man did not know who it was, for many people were there 
at the time when he was healed. 

After this, Jesus saw in the temple the man whom he had made 
well. And Jesus said, “Behold, thou art well: sin no more, lest a 
worse thing come unto thee.” Then the man knew that it was 
Jesus who had healed him, and he went and told the Jews. And the 
Jews persecuted Jesus and tried to kill him because he had done these 
things on the Sabbath-day. 

But Jesus answered them, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I 
work.” Then the Jews sought all the more to kill him; for he had 
not only broken the Sabbath, but had made himself equal with God. 
But Jesus said: “If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. 
There is another that beareth witness of me.” Here Jesus spoke of 
John the Baptist. 

But Jesus said, “I have a greater witness than that of John: 
for the works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath 
sent me.” And he told them to search the Scriptures, and see what 
the prophets had spoken of him. 













































FAVORITE STORIES 


1i 


Fishing in the Sea of Galilee. 

Jesus went about all the country of Galilee preaching to the peo¬ 
ple, and telling them how they must live to get to heaven. One day 
as he was walking near the Sea of Galilee, he saw Peter, Andrew, 
James, and John out in boats fishing. 

When Jesus saw them there, he entered into Peter’s boat while 
they were washing their nets; for they had been fishing all night, 
and had caught nothing. x\nd Jesus preached to the people from 
the boat; for many people were standing on the shore, waiting to 
hear what he would say to them. 

When Jesus had finished speaking to the people, he told Peter 
to let down his net into deeper water; but Peter answered, “Master, 
we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing; still, at thy 
word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they 
enclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their net broke, and it would 
not hold them all. They then called to their partners, James and 
John, to help them; and they filled the ships so full of fish that they 
began to sink. Then they realized that this was another miracle. 

Peter fell down at Jesus’ feet, and confessed that he was a sinful 
man. But Jesus said, “Fear not; for I will make you fishers of men. 
And when they had brought their ships to land, they left all, and 
followed Jesus.” 

c>ki>kz>kz> 

A Man Possessed with Evil Spirits. 

When Jesus and the fishermen had left the seashore, they went 
up into Capernaum. There they found the people anxious to hear 
what they had to say, and they went into the synagogue to teach them. 

All at once some one cried out: “Let us alone; what have we to 
do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? 
I know who thou art, the Holy One of God.” 

The man who spoke these words was possessed with evil spirits. 
He had no control of himself. Sometimes he was thrown into the 


A GREAT MULTITUDE OF FISHES. 






















































































76 FAVORITE STORIES 

water and sometimes into the fire, and now the evil spirits made 
him speak these words. 

Jesns stopped preaching when he heard this, and rebuked the 
spirits, saying, 44 Be qniet, and come out of him.” Then the spirit 
cried with a loud voice, but it came out of the man. 

How it surprised the people to see this! They said, 44 What 
thing is this? for he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they 
do obey him.” 

When the service in the synagogue had ended, Jesus went home 
with Peter, who was a married man. When they reached the house, 
they found that Peter’s wife’s mother was very sick with a fever, 
and could not rise from her bed. 

Jesus went to her, took her by the hand, and lifted her up. The 
fever left her at once, and she was well, and able to wait upon them. 

The news of this wonderful cure and of the healing of the poor 
man possessed with evil spirits was soon known all over Capernaum, 
and all who had friends that were sick or afflicted brought them to 
Jesus, and he healed them. 

It seemed that all the people in the city were gathered at the door. 
And devils, also, came out of many, crying out, and saying, 4 4 Thou 
art Christ, the Son of God.” 

Very early the next morning Jesus arose and went away to a 
quiet place where he could be alone with God. He wanted to pray 
to his Father, who would give him comfort and strength. 

0*0*0* CD 

The Mission of Jesus. 

Although Jesus brought healing for the many poor afflicted peo¬ 
ple, his mission was also to heal their souls, and to teach them how 
they could live pure, sinless lives in this wicked world. 

Jesus could not spend all his time in Capernaum with the people 
there, so we find him preaching in the different towns of Galilee. 
The Bible says, 4 4 He went about all Galilee, teaching in their syna- 



77 





























































































































































































































































































78 


FAVORITE STORIES 


gogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all 
manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.’’ 

And great multitudes of people followed him from Galilee, from 
Decapolis, from Jerusalem, from Judea, and from beyond Jordan. 

When he saw the great crowds of people following him, he felt 
that the time had come when he must teach them what was meant 
by the kingdom of heaven, of which he had been speaking so much. 
It was something so grand and noble that many of them would be 
unable to understand him, and would be angry and leave him; but 
they must all hear, and some would believe. 

It was a very solemn hour in the life of Jesus, for the words that 
he was going to speak were not only for them, but for all men who 
would live after them, even to the end of the world. 

And when Jesus had called his disciples to him, he chose twelve 
of them to be with him. These twelve were called apostles, which 
means messengers, or “sent ones.” They were: Peter and Andrew, 
his brother; James and John, his brother; Philip and Bartholomew 
(supposed to have been Nathanael); Thomas and Matthew the pub¬ 
lican; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas 
Iscariot. 

To these twelve Jesus gave power to heal the sick, to cleanse 
the lepers, to raise the dead, and to cast out devils. And Jesus sent 
them out to preach to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 

Jesus spoke of the Jews as “lost sheep.” They were the chosen 
people of God; but they had committed so many sins, and had wor¬ 
shiped idols so many times instead of the true and living God, that 
Jesus counted them as “lost sheep.” But he had come as a Shep¬ 
herd, and he wanted to gather them together again into one fold, 
and care for them for his Father in heaven. 

Many of the words and teachings of Jesus were so deep that 
even his disciples did not understand them; but they knew that Jesus 
was the Son of God, and they went out among the people and preached 
as Jesus had told them—that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. 
































































































































































































80 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Jesus and His Kingdom. 

Jesus, you remember, was born a king. He was the king whom 
God had sent from heaven to rule over the Jews. But Jesus was 
not going to rule over them as any other king had ever done before. 

His kingdom was made up of people who loved him with all 
their hearts, and who were willing to suffer and die, if need be, for 
him. And they must be willing to give up all they had in this life, 
too, for his sake. 

It made the Pharisees angry to hear Jesus called their king. 
They could not understand how this could be; and they said and 
did so many cruel things to Jesus that he told them plainly that 
unless they would have their hearts cleansed they could never enter 
his kingdom. To simply keep the law was not enough. 

Now, their hearts were full of hatred and murder, which they 
believed in keeping covered up; but even though they tried to keep 
the sin in their hearts covered, it would show itself. 

One time when Jesus was talking to the Pharisees, he said that 
they made the outside of the cup and platter clean, but that the 
inside was full of unclean things; and he said that they must first 
cleanse the inside of the cup and platter, and that then the outside 
also would be clean. And he called them hypocrites, which meant 
that they were trying to appear to be what they were not. 

But the time had come when Jesus wanted his disciples to know 
just what the kingdom of heaven was; so he took them with him, 
and went up into a mountain. And there he taught them that 
although they were poor men, yet they were rich in heavenly things, 
and were heirs of his kingdom. 

o*o*o*o 

Sermon on the Mount. 

When Jesus had called his disciples near him in the mountain, he 
told them many things. 




si 


6 


THE SER-MON ON THE MOUNT* 
















































82 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Tliey were astonished at his words, and a silence fell upon the 
great crowds of people that gathered around. 

He told them that those who were poor in spirit, that is, sorry 
for their sins, theirs was the kingdom of heaven, and that all who were 
sorry for their sins should be comforted. And he said that the meek 
or humble should inherit the earth, and that those who wanted to he 
saved should have the desire of their hearts. 

And he said that if they would show mercy,- they should obtain 
mercy, and that the pure in heart should see God. 

And Jesus said that the peacemakers, that is, those who will not 
quarrel themselves, and who try to keep others from it, should be called 
the children of God. And he said that if they were treated cruelly 
and persecuted, they should be glad; for their reward in heaven would 
be great. . For even the prophets in olden times were treated in the 
same way. 

And then Jesus told his disciples that they must let their light 
shine; that is, let others know that they were saved and had pure 
hearts, and then live so that those around them would see that what 
they said was true. In this way others might be led by their example 
to love and obey God, and would become great in the kingdom of 
heaven. 

But if they, like the Pharisees, only taught the things they had 
heard, and did not live them, their life would be no better in God’s 
sight than the life of the Pharisees. 

And Jesus said, “ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, 
or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil them.” Jesus 
meant that he had come to teach men how to understand the will of 
God and obey his commandments in a higher and truer sense than 
had been possible before. Not only were they to keep from doing ali 
wicked actions, but even the very thoughts of their hearts must be 
pure and free from sin. 




83 




















































84 


FAVORITE STORIES 



JESUS TALKING TO HIS DISCIPLES. 

By “brother,” Jesus did not simply mean brothers in the same 
families. You remember that Jesus was in a hill near the Sea of 
Galilee, and that he was teaching his disciples how to live, and how to 
preach to the people. 


Jesus Teaching His Disciples. 

Jesus said that in the law they had read, “Thou shalt not kill”; 
and if any one did kill, the murderer was to be punished for it. But 
now it was different; for if any one became angry with his brother 
and hated him, he would be a murderer in God’s sight, and could not 
enter heaven until he repented; that is, became sorry, and asked his 
brother’s forgiveness. 
















85 



86 


FAVORITE STORIES 


And Jesus wanted them to know that God was now their Father 
and the Father of all; then, all men must he brethren. 

And Jesus wanted them to have true love for all people in the 
world; for he said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” 

By the law they had been taught to love their friends, and to 
hate their enemies; but Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless them 
that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for those 
who treat you cruelly. ’ ’ And he told them to remember that they 
were all God’s children, and that God made the sun to shine and the 
rain to fall upon the good and had alike. 

Jesus said that if they simply loved those who loved them, they 
were no better than the publican or sinners, for they did that; but 
that they must be perfect, as their Father in heaven is perfect; that 
is, they must love and do good to all. 

Then, too, they must he careful not to he like the Pharisees, who 
when they did any good deed, told every one they could about it, 
that it might seem as if they were doing much for the Lord. If they 
did this, their heavenly Father would take no notice of their good 
deeds. They must do good, expecting God, not men, to see them. 

And Jesus taught them to pray much, but not to pray as the 
Pharisees prayed; for they loved to stand on the street corners and 
in other public places, where men could see them praying. God loved 
the prayer that came from a sincere heart in some secret place where 
no one could see the person praying. 

And then Jesus taught them a prayer, which is known as the 
Lord’s Prayer. 

0 * 0*©*0 


A Lesson from the Birds and the Lilies. 

Then Jesus went on to teach them that they must not be anxious 
or worry about the future, for fear they would not have enough to 
eat or drink or wear: for their heavenly Father knew just what they 
were needing. 








































88 FAVORITE STORIES 

“Behold,” he said, “the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither 
do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedetli 
them. Are ye not much better than they? 

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his 
stature ? ’ ’ 

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, 
neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in 
all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” 

Therefore do not say, “What shall we eat?” or, “What shall 
we drink?” or, “Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” But seek ye 
first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things 
shall be added unto you. 

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where thieves 
break through and steal, and things spoil and decay; but lay your 
treasures up in heaven, for there they will be safe. 

Where your treasures are, there also will be your heart; for you 
will be thinking about them. So if your treasures are in heaven, 
your heart will be in heaven also. 

And lie told them never to judge their brother hastily, but to 
remember that they, too, must be judged by their heavenly Father, 
and to be careful that they did not see something in their brother 
that was really in themselves. But when they were sure that there 
was nothing wrong in their own lives, then they could go to their 
brother and tell him about his fault. 

And he said, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither 
cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their 
feet, and turn again and rend you.” This was to show the disciples 
that there were people to whom it would do no good to talk. These 
he compared to dogs and swine. 

Lastly he told them that whatsoever things they desired men 
should do unto them these same things they must do to others. This 
was the true way to keep the spirit of the law, and the only path that 
would lead them to heaven. But they must beware, for false prophets 
would come and try to lead them into a road that was broad and easy 
to travel. 



89 



















































































FAVORITE STORIES 


90 

Enter in at the strait gate, where the way is narrow; for this way 
will lead nnto life, and very few find it. For wide is the gate, and 
broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction and despair, and many 
there be which go in thereat. Not every one who saith, “Lord, Lord,” 
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of 
my Father which is in heaven. Many will wish to enter, but it will 
be too late. 

0*0*0*o 

Consider the Lilies. 

If in your heart you seem to grieve 
Because you do not much receive 
Or to some height you don’t achieve, 

Consider then the lilies. 

When trials come to press you sore 
And you begin to count them o’er 
And think there’s many on before, 

Consider then the lilies. 

Perchance a friend you thought was true, 

Because of Christ deserted you, 

And said harsh things about you, too: 

Consider then the lilies. 

They do not spin, they do not toil, 

They know not of earth’s great turmoil, 

Nor care for articles that spoil; 

Consider, then, the lilies. 

They’re dressed in garments snowy white, 

No care for fear they ’re not dressed right; 

They’re pure as heaven in God’s sight: 

Consider, then, the lilies. 



> 

ft 


THE HOUSE BUILT UPON THE SAND. 


91 




















































































































92 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The Rocky and Sandy Foundations. 

In order that he might impress his words upon the minds of his 
disciples, Jesus told them a story of two men, who each wished to 
build a house. 

Now, one of these men was wise, and his first thought was to 
find a good firm place upon which to build his house. He knew that 
although the sun might shine ever so bright, there would be fierce 
storms, and he wanted his house to stand, no matter how hard the 
wind might blow or the rain fall. 

So when he had digged deep, he found a large rock, and upon 
this he built his house. And he laid the foundation carefully, in order 
that no storm, however fierce it might be, could overthrow his house. 

But it was not so with the other man. He thought only of the 
pleasant part, and chose the easiest way. 

Upon the nice soft sandy ground by the seashore, he found a 
place where he had no trouble about making a foundation. Every¬ 
thing seemed to work in his favor, and in a very short time he had a 
house all complete and ready to live in. 

But ah! one day it began to rain, and the wind blew very hard. 
Slowly the water began to rise, and soon reached the spot where his 
house was standing. Then it did not take long for the cruel waves 
to wash away the sand from beneath the house, and—what was the 
result? It fell, and great was the fall of it. 

Looking up in the midst of his trouble, he saw the beautiful house 
his friend had built. Did he expect to see it fall, as his own had 
done? Ah, no! 

His friend had taken great care to prepare for storms; for he 
knew that they would come, and there stood his house safe and secure. 
All the storms that could beat about it did not shake it in the least. 

This story had two meanings, and it was called a “parable.” 
Jesus often spoke in parables, and in this way taught his disciples 
many things that they could not have understood in any other way. 

This time Jesus wanted them to see how careful all must be when 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


93 


they started out to serve God. If they would listen to his teaching’s 
and do the things he taught them, then they would be like the wise 
man who built his house upon a rock. 

But those who listened to his teaching and would not do as he 
taught, were like the foolish man who built his house upon the sand. 

These two men represented the righteous and the wicked. The 
righteous would be saved through trial and temptation, but the wicked 
would be destroyed and lost. 

When Jesus had finished his sermon on the mount, the people 
wondered at what they had heard. 

As they talked among themselves about the word he had spoken, 
they asked each other what it could mean; for he did not preach like 
any one else whom they had ever listened to, and his doctrine was 
so new, and something they had never heard before. It seemed to 
raise and point them to a purer and higher knowledge of God than 
they had ever known or realized before. 

o> ❖o>^cz>**o> 

The Centurion’s Faith. 

Great multitudes of people followed Jesus as he came down out 
of the mount, some curious to know what he would say or do next, 
and some because they believed his words—that God had sent him to 
save them from their sins. 

Capernaum being close, Jesus went there; and as he was entering 
the city, some of the elders of the Jews came to him, saying, “ There 
is a certain centurion [or Roman officer] among us whose servant is 
very sick. This man has heard of thee, and has sent us to ask that 
thou wilt come and heal his servant.’’ 

And the Jews told Jesus that the centurion was worthy; for he 
loved their nation, and had built them a synagogue to worship God in. 

When Jesus heard this, he went with them. And when he came 
near the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying, “Lord, 
trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter 


94 


FAVORITE STORIES 


under my roof: wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come 
unto thee: hut say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.” 

And the centurion said that he was an officer with many soldiers 
under him. When he said to one “Go,” the soldier had to go; and 
when he said to another “Come,” he came; and his servants knew 
that they must do just as they were bidden. 

When Jesus heard all this, he wondered. Here was a rich man 
that could command so many people, who knew they must obey him, 
and yet he did not feel worthy to come near enough to Jesus to ask 
him to heal his servant, but believed a word from Jesus would be 
all that was necessary. 

Jesus turned to the people, and said, “I have not found so great 
faith, no not in Israel.” Here was a Gentile with great faith—even 
greater faith than Jesus had found among the Jews. 

Jesus said that many would come from the east and from the 
west, and would sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in his 
kingdom in heaven; but that the unbelieving Jews and all others that 
did not have faith would be cast out into darkness, where would be 
weeping and gnashing of teeth. This Jesus said to show them the 
necessity of their believing in him. 

And then he sent word to the centurion, and told him to believe 
and according to his faith his servant would be healed. When the 
messengers returned to the house, they found the servant well that 
had been sick. 

0*0*040 

The Dead Man Raised. 

Jesus did not stay long in Capernaum, but went down to a city 
called Nain. This city was about twenty-three miles from Caper¬ 
naum, yet his disciples and many of the people went with him. 

As they drew near the city, Jesus saw that something very sad 
had happened. A company of people were carrying a dead man. He 
was the only son of his mother, who was a poor widow. 

We know that Jesus pitied the poor mother, for his heart was 











































































































96 


FAVORITE STORIES 


always full of love and pity for all who were in trouble. When he 
saw her, he said tenderly, “Weep not.” Then he stopped the pro¬ 
cession, and spoke to the young man who had died, saying, “Arise,’* 
and the man sat up, and he was able to speak once more. What joy 
must have filled the poor mother’s heart! 

When the people saw this miracle, great fear fell upon them all, 
and they thought that Jesus must be a prophet. And his great works 
were spoken of far and near. 



THE WIDOW T, S SON RESTORED TO LIFE. 

Some asked whether he were really the Christ or whether they 
must look for another. Jesus told them to look at the things which 
they had seen and heard—how the blind saw, the lame walked, the 
lepers were cleansed, the deaf made to hear, the dead were raised, 
and the gospel preached to the poor. Was not this enough to show 
that he was the Christ, the Messiah they were looking for! And 










FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


97 


he said that the law and all the prophets until John the Baptist had 
prophesied of his coming. 

The people were looking for Elijah to appear on earth again 
before their Messiah came, for Malachi had prophesied that he wonld 
come; but Jesus said that Elias had come already, meaning John the 
Baptist. And he spoke of the shameful treatment of John, and said 
that he himself also must suffer many things at the hands of the Jews. 

And Jesus spoke against the wickedness of the different cities 
and people that had seen his mighty works and that would not receive 
him. He said that even the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were not 
so guilty as they were, for they had never had the light of the gospel 
preached to them. 

Jesus then said such sweet words—words that have come down 
even to us: 44 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; 
for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your 
souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

o*0*0*0 

In the House of Simon the Pharisee. 

The Pharisees had taken very little notice of Jesus up to this 
time; hut they could not help seeing the great and mighty works that 
he was doing among them. So one day a Pharisee named Simon 
invited Jesus fix dine at his house. 

Although Simon invited Jesus to eat at his house, he did not show 
him any real kindness of feeling, and he was ready to find all the 
fault with Jesus that he could. 

Their customs were different from ours. When any one went 
into a house tired and dusty from walking, the host usually had water 
brought, so that the visitor might wash his hands and feet. But 
this Pharisee did not do this for Jesus. 

Another odd custom to us was the manner in which they ate their 


7 


$8 


FAVORITE STORIES 


m«hlgr 1 Instead of sitting up to a table as we do, they reclined upon 
conches, with their feet away from the table. 

; 'r .While Jesns was eating his dinner, a woman who had led a very 
Wicked liffr entered the room. She had listened to the words of 
JeSus before, and she was very sorry for all the sins that she had 
Committed, and she longed to do something for Jesus that would show 
him how sorry she was, and how much she loved him. 

%-A-* So= When she saw him sitting at the Pharisee’s table, she took a 
box ? of very costly ointment, and stood at his feet. 

She began to weep bitterly; and as she wept, her tears fell down 
upon the feet of;: Jesus. When she saw this, she stooped down and 
with her long hair wiped his feet, and then she kissed them, and 
poured upon his feet and upon his head the ointment that she had 
brought.. 

: n When- the Pharisee saw what the woman had done, he was very 
much displeased with^Jesus, and thought, “If this man were a prophet, 
he would have known what a wicked life this woman has led; for she 
is a sinner.” 

Now, the Pharisees thought that they were too good and holy to 
let sinners touch them. But Jesus saw only the heart. He looked 
in pity upon this poor woman, whose life he knew had been very sin¬ 
ful. He also looked at the heart of the proud Pharisee, and there he 
sW the ; same tilings that had prompted the woman to commit sin. 
difference was,' the world could see the one, and not the other. 

G>*o*o*o 

; v •- r . : : r 

e:fj * ' r The Two Debtors. 

- Jesus told Simon the Pharisee that he had something to say to 
him, and then lie told him of a certain man who had two debtors. 
The debt of one was much larger than that of the other. 

At last, when the time came to pay the debt, they had no money. 
Sen theysweat* ten‘the mam and told him, and he frankly forgave them 



FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


99 


both. Then Jesus said, 44 Tell me therefore, which of them will love 
him most?” 

Simon answered and said, 4 4 1 suppose that he, to whom he forgave 
most. ’ 9 

Then Jesus said, 44 Thou hast rightly judged”; and turning to 
the woman, he said, “Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine 
house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my 
feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 

“Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman, since the time I came 
in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not 
anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 

“Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are for¬ 
given; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same 
loveth little.” 

. What reproof this was for Simon! This was a lesson of the 
great debt of gratitude that sinners owe to God. He forgives and 
takes away their burden of sin. And the one who has committed the 
most sin, generally feels the most thankful. 

Then Jesus said to the woman, 44 Thy sins be forgiven thee: thy 
faith hath saved thee. Go in peace.” 

And the people wondered how Jesus had power to forgive sins 
as well as to heal the bodies of the sick people. 

CKOJOKD 

Jesus Reproves the People. 

Jesus spent some time in visiting the different cities of Galilee. 
Many came to him who were possessed with evil spirits, and he healed 
them, 44 insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.” All 
the people were amazed and said, 44 Is not this the Son of David?” 
They could not understand the mighty works that they saw done in 
their midst. 

The Pharisees said, 4 4 This fellow casts out devils by Beelzebub, 
the prince of devils.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, as well 


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FAVORITE STORIES 


as words, told them that a kingdom which was divided against itself 
could not stand, and said, “ If I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom 
do your children cast them out?” And he told them that Satan could 
not drive himself out of any person. 

“But if I,” he said, “with the finger of God cast out devils, no 
doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” 

Then Jesus said that every sin that man might commit would be 
forgiven him, except one. That was the sin against the Holy Ghost. 

We can almost imagine we see and hear the people asking one 
another what Jesus meant. No doubt they thought that it was be¬ 
cause they had said, “He hath an unclean spirit.” 

Jesus knew that they could not understand then, but that the day 
was coming when it would be made plain. They were going to crucify 
him; that is, nail him to a cross of wood, and let him hang there until 
he died. They would say many hard things about him; but if they 
were sorry, God would forgive them, and then they would know that 
he was truly God’s Son. 

But if when they knew this and that Jesus had cleansed their 
hearts from every sin they should again say that Jesus was only a 
common man and that he had never done anything for them, it would 
be as though they had crucified him again, and God would not for¬ 
give them. 

A good many people fear they have committed this sin, because 
they have allowed trials, persecutions, or a failure to do their duty, 
to come between their souls and God, and in this way became back¬ 
sliders. And Satan tries to bring against souls everything that he can 
to deceive them. No wonder, then, that he tries to make them think 
they have committed the unpardonable sin. 

But it all depends upon the true state of the heart. As long 
as they have a desire to serve God, and can be sorry for their sins, 
God can forgive them, and will if they will turn to him. 

It is dangerous to put off salvation one moment after the grace 
of God has leaked out of the soul through carelessness or in any other 
way, as it opens the way for Satan to deceive. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


101 


But people who find that they are under a deceiving spirit should 
at once seek help from the Lord through earnest prayer, and he will 
deliver and save them. 

o*o*o*o 

The Sign of Jonah. 



Esus was asked one day by the Pharisees to 
give them a sign from heaven, but he said, 
‘ ‘ There shall no sign be given but the sign of 
the prophet Jonah.” 

Many years before, God had sent a prophet 
named Jonah to the wicked city of Nineveh. 
Jonah did not want to go, and he tried to 
run away from the Lord. But the Lord knew all about Jonah and 
his plans, and he sent a great storm, which rocked the boat so hard 
that was taking him away from Nineveh that there was great danger 
of its going to pieces. 

The sailors were greatly frightened, and they cried to their gods, 
or idols, to save them; and they cast their wares into the sea to 
lighten the ship. But Jonah was asleep through it all. 

Then the shipmaster went to him, and said, “What meanest thou, 









102 


FAVORITE STORIES 


0 sleeper? Arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think 
upon us, that we perish not.” Then Jonah told them that he feared 
God, and that he was not going where God had told him to go. And 
he said to them, “Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so 
shall the sea he calm.” It was very hard for the men to do this, 
but at last they threw Jonah into the sea, and it at once became calm. 

Now, the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah, and 
he was within this fish three days and three nights. 

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord, and said he would do anything 
the Lord wanted him to do. “And the Lord spake unto the fish, 
and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.” 

A second time God spoke to Jonah, and told him to go to Nineveh 
and preach to the people of that place, and this time he went. Jonah 
told them that in forty days their city would be overthrown. 

Now, the people of Nineveh knew there was a true God, and they 
did not want to be destroyed; so they fasted and prayed, and God 
forgave them, and they were not destroyed. 

When Jesus referred to this as a sign, he meant that as Jonah 
was three days and three nights within the fish, so the Son of God 
would lie in the grave, after they had crucified him, three days and 
three nights. 

And Jesus said that the people of Nineveh would not be as guilty 
in God’s sight as these Pharisees were. For the people of Nineveh 
were sorry for their sins and repented; but these had listened to the 
words of a far greater prophet than Jonah, even Jesus, God’s Son. 

Who Are Christ's Relatives? 

While Jesus was still talking to the people, some one came to 
him and said that his mother and brethren wished to speak with him. 

Now, Jesus loved his mother and his brethren very dearly; but 
he wanted to show the people how much he loved those who would 
forsake their sinful lives and become servants of God. So he said, 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. >108 

“Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?” Then stretching 
out his hand toward his disciples and those who believed on him, he 
said, ‘ 1 My mother and my brethren are these which hear the/ word 
of God, and do it.’ ’ 

Strange as these words must have sounded, those who were siayed 
knew they were true. The Christian loves everybody, hut there , is 
a tie binding those who are saved which is far greater than the love 
that binds earthly families together. * 

What a blessed thought it is to think that we may be counted as 
the brothers and sisters of Jesus! And, children, you do not have 
to wait until you become men and women before yoij can become 
related to Christ. No, indeed; Jesus wants you to giye your hearts 
to him as soon as possible. .... (Vi r ;, 

How sweet it is to see little children saved and able to testify 
that God is their Father and Jesus their brother, and that they are 
in the family of God! 

At one time Jesus said that unless people became as little chil¬ 
dren they could not enter into the kingdom of heaven. So you see 
that even grown people must, before they, can be saved, feel as 
though they were little children. 

Jesus continued to preach to the people, and many believed on 
him; but the Pharisees saw by his preaching that their own hearts 
were not right, and instead of seeking to get right and accepting 
him as their Savior, they did all they could against him. They tried 
to get him to say something that they could use against him. But 
the time for this had not come. 

Jesus warned his disciples, saying, “Beware ye of the leaven 
of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” He meant the sin that the 
Pharises were covering up in their hearts. 

And he said: “There is nothing covered that shall not be re¬ 
vealed; neither hid that shall not be made known. Therefore, what¬ 
soever ye have spoken in the darkness shall be heard in the light; 
and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be pro¬ 
claimed upon the housetops.” 


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FAVORITE STORIES 


Jesus told them not to be afraid of those who could kill the body, 
but to fear him who, after he had killed the body, had power to cast 
into hell. This was God. 

And then he told them that God, their Father, would take good 
care of them. Even the little sparrows, he said, were all remembered 
by God. The care for his children was so great that even the hairs 
of their heads were numbered, and could they not trust him to care 
for them—his own dear children? They were of more value than 
many sparrows. 

They might have to suffer many things, and have many hard 
questions asked them; but they must not wonder at this, nor try to 
think of some good answer. God would care for them and teach 
them what to say. 


o:o*o*o 

The Barren Fig-tree. 


A man possessed a vineyard, 
Where grapes in plenty grew, 
And he who was the dresser 
Picked grapes there not a few . 

The owner came with pleasure 
To view his vineyard o’er, 

And saw the crop increasing 
Each year more than before. 

He saw, on one occasion, 

A spot which idle stood, 

And planted there a fig-tree, 
Young, vigorous, and good. 

In time he thought the fig-tree 
Was old enough to bear, 

So came one day to see it, 

But no fruit found he there. 



“ Are not two sparrows 
sold for a farthing? and one 
of them shall not fall on 
the ground without your 
Father.” 

“ Fear ye not, therefore, 
ye are more value than 
many sparrows.” 

“ The foxes have holes, 
and the birds of the air 
have nests; but the Son of 
man hath not where to lay 
His head.” 


105 









THE UNFRUITFUL TREE 























































































































































































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


107 


Then speaking to the dresser, 

“Just cut it down,” said he; 

“Why let it longer cumber 
The ground, or hindrance be ¥ ’ ’ 

The dresser was kind-hearted 
And said: “Lord, not this year; 

I’ll dig about and tend it, 

And possibly ’twill bear. , . 

“But if it then bears nothing, 

No longer I’ll object; 

I’ll cut it down, and quickly: 

Such trees we should reject.” 

A little lesson, children, 

From this same tree we learn: 

Those in the Lord’s great vineyard 
Their right to stay must earn. 

For all who there are idle 
Will share the fig-tree’s fate, 

And they may not discover [ 

They’re cut off till too late. . , :. 

o*c>*o*o 

Parable of the Rich Man. 

Jesus one day told the people a story about a rich man. He 
did this that he might impress upon their minds how uncertain life 
is, and how little riches are worth to any one when he comes to die. 

This man had much good land. It had yielded so much substance 
year after year that he had become very rich. His barns were large 
and roomy; but everything increased so fast that at last he found 
his barns were not large enough to hold all that the ground brought 
forth. 

Then this man should have thought, “What can I give to tlie^pppr 


108 


FAVORITE STORIES 


people around me, who are not blessed as I am!” But he did not 
think of doing this at all. 

Instead he thought, “What shall I do, because I have no room 
where to bestow my fruits V 9 Then he thought, “This will I do: I 
will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow 
all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou 
hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, 
and be merry /’ 

When this man had finished speaking thus, the voice of God said, 
“Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose 
shall those things be, which thou hast provided V 9 

Jesus told the people it would be so with all who would try to 
lay up riches for themselves in this world, and did not care whether 
they pleased God or not. They would have to die some day, and 
would have to leave their riches to he enjoyed by others, while they 
went away to a world where they would have to suffer torment and 
misery. 

They need never fear that they would not have enough food to 
eat or clothes to wear; for their life was more than their food, and 
their body more than what they would wear. God created both their 
life and their body, and he would not let them suffer for food and 
clothes. 

He told them to think about the birds, and see how God cared 
for them. They never planted anything, and yet God fed them; and 
then the lilies, how beautifully they were dressed, and yet they did 
not work nor make their garments. Even Solomon, who was once 
the great wise king who ruled over the children of Israel, did not 
have such beautiful garments. 

If God cared so much for the birds and the lilies, and clothed 
and fed them with such care, they need never fear but that he would 
care for them if they would only trust him. 

They must not be anxious for these things, but they must be 
sure to lay their treasures up in heaven. They need never fear that 
there thieves or moths would destroy their treasures. 



109 

























































































































































110 


FAVORITE STORIES 


And Jesus told them that they must be ready and waiting, as 
servants who were waiting for their master to come home. When he 
came and knocked, they must open to him at once. 

He wanted them to know that he would not always be with them. 
After his death he would go to heaven; but some day he would come 
back to this earth, gather all his people together, and take them back 
to heaven with him. And he told them that they must watch for 
his coming, or he might come when they were not expecting him. 

0 * 0 * 0*0 

Parable of the Sower. 


i : 

[ 

i: 





mi 


While teaching the people 
About God one day, 

Christ’s followers were startled 
By hearing him say, 

“A sower went forth to 
Sow seed by the way;” 

And then they all wondered 
How the truth he’d display. 

With great care they listened; 

Now here’s what they heard: 
“Some fell by the wayside.” 

(The seed meant God’s word, 
But some way it never 
To their minds occurred; 

And though they all listened, 

In judgment they erred.) 

The seed Jesus mentioned, 

By fowls were soon found • 
They quickly devoured 
Each seed, good and sound. 
Then, some fell on stony 
Or hard, rocky ground, 

Where the soil was deficient, 
Great rocks lying round. 








THE RICH FOOL. 


Ill 









































































































































































































































112 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The sun, shining brightly, 

Sent forth such great heat 
That the tiny seeds, sprouting, 

Its rays could not meet; 

They withered and perished 
Ere growth was complete 
Or fruitage was gathered 
For others to eat. 

Then some fell where thorns grew 
So rank and so tall 
That small seeds were hindered, 

If grown there at all; 

The harsh, cruel briars 
Seemed so to enthrall 
That young plants were famished, 
And soon had to fall. 

Now, some fell on good ground, 
Perhaps just a few; 

But all of this sprouted, 

And rapidly grew. 

The rain fell in plenty, 

No drought this seed knew; 
’Twas indeed a fine harvest 
For the reapers to view. 

When Jesus had finished 
This parable queer, 

He saw his disciples 
Come gathering near. 

The Savior knew what they 
Were longing to hear, 

So he quickly endeavored 
To make all things clear. 

He said that wherever 

God’s word should be taught, 

A foe would endeavor 
To bring it to naught. 
























































114 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Perchance he succeeded 
And gained what he sought, 

’Twould be like the wayside 
Seed—hastily caught. 

The hard, rocky places 
Were where the truth came 
Into hearts that with gladness 
Accepted the same, 

But who were not willing 
To suffer the shame 
All Christians must suffer 
For Jesus’ dear name. 

Life’s cares were the harsh thorns 
That sprang in the heart. 

These hindered the small growth 
Made there in the start; 

Then the greed and desire 
For gain did their part: 

’Twas no wonder this soul had 
No fruit to impart. 

The good soil, which yielded 
Much fruitage, w r as found 
In hearts of the people 
Whose judgment was sound. 
They heard the whole gospel, 
Then tried to expound 
The glad truths to others, 

Who gathered around. 

These were not offended, 

Their hope was secure, 

Were fully decided 
To always endure. 

Great wealth and false pride 
Could never allure 
Their hearts from the kingdom 
They meant to secure. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


115 


The disciples, rejoicing, 

Could then understand; 

The story no longer 

Seemed strange, it was grand; 

For Jesus had called them 
His own chosen band, 

And this would encourage 
And help them to stand. 

The parables were given 
By Jesus below, 

To tell of his kingdom 
And God’s love to show, 

To direct to and guide in 
The path we should go 
If heaven we’d enter 
And God’s favor know. 

o*o*o*o 

Parable of the Candle Hid under a Bushel. 

One time Jesus asked his disciples a strange question. He said, 
“Is a candle brought to he put under a bushel, or under a bed? and 
not to he set on a candlestick?” And then he said, “No man, when 
he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it 
under a bed; hut setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter 
in may see the light.” 

Jesus was comparing people who had salvation to a candlestick, 
and their experience to the light of the candle. And he wanted to 
show how foolish it would he for a saved person to try to hide what 
God had done for him. “For nothing is secret, that shall not be 
made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not he known and 
come abroad.” 

And Jesus said, “Take heed therefore how ye hear; for whoso¬ 
ever hath, to him shall he given; and whosoever hath not, from him 
shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have,” 


116 


FAVORITE STORIES 


It may be seen by this parable how very important it is that 
those who are saved do all they can to let their light shine, and 
not be as the candle under a bushel, where no one can see the light. 

There are many ways in which they can let their light shine. 
One good way is to read the Bible much, and pray very often. An¬ 
other is to look around you every day, and see if you can not help 
somebody. Oh, there are so many ways of helping people! 

Perhaps you might see no one else than poor little brother, who 
was feeling sad because some of his toys were broken or would not 
work to suit him. You could go to him and say, 64 Come, let me 
see what is the matter,” and then try to make him feel happy again. 
This would be letting your light shine. 

I am sure you could see many such ways in which you could 
do good to those around you. And the one you were helping would 
not be the only happy one; for Jesus said, “With what measure ye 
mete, it shall be measured to you; and unto you that hear shall more 
be given.” So you see that by helping others we let our light shine, 
and make others happy; but we are the happiest, for we know that 
we are doing what Jesus told us to do. 

4 ‘ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good 
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 

o*o*o*cd 

Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. 

Another parable was spoken by Jesus about the sowing of seed. 
This time he said, “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man 
which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy 
came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when 
the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the 
tares also. 

“So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, 
Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath 
it tares? 



117 






































































































































































































118 


Favorite stories 


“He said unto them, An enemy liatli done this. The servants said 
unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up*? 

“But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up 
also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: 
and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together 
first the tares, and hind them in bundles to burn them: but gather 
the wheat into my barn.” 

We can imagine that we see the man when his day’s work was 
ended, going to his home to rest, and his servants resting also. 

But while they are resting and enjoying a nice quiet sleep, an 
enemy comes and scatters tares in the wheat-field, and then goes 
away again. 

Tares are much like wheat in appearance, but are harmful if 
eaten. 

After a while the seed which had been sown began to spring up. 
Then the master’s servants saw that the field was full of tares, also. 
They were much surprised and grieved, for they saw that much 
damage had been done by some one. 

So they came to their master and said, “Sir, didst not thou sow 
good seed in thy field! from whence then hath it tares!” He told 
them that some enemy must have done this. 

Then the servants asked whether he should like to have them 
go and gather the tares from among the wheat. He said no; for in 
gathering out the tares, they might also destroy or root up some of 
the wheat. It would be better, he said, to let both grow together 
until the harvest, and then he would have the reapers separate the 
two. Then the tares could be bound into bundles and burned, but 
the wheat would be taken to his barn. 

The disciples could not understand this parable; so when they 
were alone with Jesus, they asked what it meant. Then Jesus said 
to them: “He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field 
is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the 
tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them 





















































































































120 


FAVORITE STORIES 


is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are 
the angels.” 

And he said that as the tares were gathered and burned with fire, 
so it would be at the end of the world. 

We sometimes wonder why people are allowed to live and do 
such dreadful things, hut we must remember that in this world the 
good and the evil live side by side; but there is a day coming when 
God will separate the good from the evil. 

And in that day those who have done evil will not be happy, for 
God will punish them for all the wrong deeds they have done. God 
is a loving and merciful God, but he is also a God of justice. He 
would like to see every one saved, but those who refuse to repent of 
their sinful ways will be punished. 

But in that great day of which Jesus spoke in this parable, God 
will reward the righteous, or good people, and they will shine forth 
in the kingdom of heaven as the sun. 

Be sure that you are among those whom Jesus called “the good 
seed,” and not among “the tares.” 

In the same field this seed had been sown, 

Side by side it was placed and had grown, 

And the same sun and rain it had known; 

But at last a day came 

Which brought judgment and shame: 

For into the fire the tares were thrown; 

But the good and the choice 
Had great cause to rejoice, 

For the Master knew they were his own. 

OK>*0*0 

Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven. 

Jesus spoke a parable about the mustard seed, which is among 
the smallest of seeds. He said: “The kingdom of heaven is like to 
a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field: 


FROM TJIE NEW TESTAMENT. 


121 


which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the 
greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the 
air come and lodge in the branches thereof.’’ 

It might seem strange to some that Jesus should take such things 
to represent the kingdom of God. But this was God’s way of show¬ 
ing the people the wonders of the kingdom. One of the prophets 
said that he (Jesus) would speak many things in parables, and would 
utter many things which had been kept secret from the foundation 
of the world. 

Jesus knew that because of sin in their hearts not many of the 
people would believe what he said, but that some would believe and 
would understand. If they would come to him, he would explain 
all they desired to know. 

That is the way it is to-day. When we do not understand his 
words, we can go to him, and ask him what he meant; and he will 
tell us. 

But let us return to the mustard seed, which was so tiny, and 
yet when it was planted in good soil became so large, even the largest 
of herbs, and was as a tree, where the birds could come and lodge in 
its branches. 

So it is with our faith and love for God. Both may seem very 
small at first; but if we truly love God and are his children, God 
will cause our faith to become so great and our love for him so strong 
that others will see us and come to learn of Jesus and his kingdom. 

And Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a little leaven, or 
yeast, which a woman hid in some meal. The leaven worked through 
all the meal, and it was changed into good light bread. This parable 
seems strange, and quite hard to understand; hut when we think about 
the love of God, and how it is hid in the heart, and then notice how 
it works in the life of that one in whose heart it is hidden, we can 
better understand why Jesus compared it to leaven in the meal. 


122 FAVORITE STORIES 

Parables of the Hidden Treasure, the Pearl, and the Net. 

Jesus told his disciples some parables when he was alone with 
them. One was about a man who found a treasure that had been 
hidden in a field. This man was so happy when he saw the treasure 
that he wanted to own it for himself. So at once he hastened away 
and sold all his own land, and bought that field. 

That is the way with those who find salvation. When they see 
what a great treasure it is, they at once have a desire to possess it 
for themselves; and not only are they willing to give up the enjoy¬ 
ments of this world, hut they hasten to do so. 

The next parable was of a merchantman, or man who bought 
things to sell them again. This man in the parable bought pearls. 
Pearls are beautiful white stones. They are found in oysters, and 
many of them are very costly. 

Many people who can afford to do so, wear them as ornaments 
in rings, bracelets, and necklaces. This is not right; for the Bible 
says 4 to adorn ourselves in modest apparel; not with gold, or pearls, 
or costly array.’ 

But Jesus was not speaking to those who wore them. He was 
trying to show his disciples the great worth of salvation. 

Now, this merchantman was looking for pearls to buy. At last 
he saw one more beautiful than any he had ever seen before; but it 
belonged to some one who asked a great price for it. He asked more 
for it than the merchantman was able to pay without selling every¬ 
thing that he had. But he wanted the pearl so much that he went 
and sold all that he had, and bought that one precious pearl. 

This is the way persons feel who want to have their sins for¬ 
given. They are not happy, hut instead they feel, oh! so miserable. 
They long for salvation; and when they see that to possess it they 
must give up all their sinful ways and everything that displeases 
God, how glad they are to give them up! 

And the next parable was about a net that fishermen use. Sev¬ 
eral of Christ’s disciples were fishermen, you remember; so this was 
very easy for them to understand. 



THE MERCHANT SEEKING GOODLY PEARLS, 


123 









































124 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Jesus said that as a net was cast into the sea, and gathered of 
every kind of fish, and when it was full it was drawn to the shore, 
and there the good fish were gathered into vessels, but the bad were 
cast away; so it would he at the end of the world. The angels 
will come forth, and take the wicked from among the just. And 
the wicked will be cast into a furnace of fire, where there will be wailing 
and gnashing of teeth. 

When Jesus had finished telling his disciples these parables, he 
asked, 4 ‘Have ye understood all these things V 9 and they answered, 
“Yea, Lord.” 

Then Jesus said that those who were instructed and understood 
what the kingdom of God was, were like a householder who brought 
out of his treasure things new and old. 

All who have salvation can do this, for God helps them to under¬ 
stand the Bible; and they are able to teach others many things that 
before they were saved they themselves could not understand. 

0*C>>0*0 


The Savior’s Home. 

The birds of the air have nests, we read; 

How true! and then again, 

The foxes holes in which to go, 

Where shelter they obtain; 

But the Son of man hath not a place 
To call his own in this vast space; 
Although a crown his head might grace; 
He knows naught here but pain. 

But though the Christ no home possessed, 
And here such suff’ring bore, 

He knew a home most beautiful 
His Father held in store; 





XHE TAKAEJLE OF THE NET. 


125 





























































































































































































120 


FAVORITE STORIES 


He knew ’twas but a season brief, 

Then he would find such sweet relief 
No more he’d know of sorrow, grief; 

He’d reign forevermore. 

He did not wish an earthly home; 

He came to teach mankind, 

For man had wandered long in sin, 

And to the truth was blind. 

Christ came that all mankind might see 
That from this sin they might be free, 

And share his home eternally— 

Oh, what a Savior kind! 

0*0 * 0*0 

No Resting-Place. 

Every parable that Jesus spoke meant something. He did not 
tell these things to amuse the people, but that they might understand 
and remember better the things he wanted them to learn. 

As he taught the people about his kingdom in heaven, he told 
them that if they wanted to be his disciples, they must take up their 
cross and follow him. He meant they must follow his example, and 
do what was right, no matter how hard and unpleasant it might be. 
Things that were wrong might often seem more easy and pleasant 
to do; but these were the times to do the things that were right, and 
in this way they could bear the cross. 

One evening after Jesus had been preaching to the people all 
day, a man came to him and said, “Lord, I will follow thee whither¬ 
soever thou goest.” But Jesus wanted him to know how much it 
meant to follow him, and so he said, “Foxes have holes, and birds 
of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay 
his head.” 

Jesus meant to tell the man that he was poorer than even the 
foxes and the birds. For they had homes of their own, where they 


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128 


FAVORITE STORIES 


might stay; but Jesus had no home, nor any place where he might 
go to lie down and rest when he was tired. Those who wanted to 
be his disciples must be willing to live just as he did if it were 
necessary. 

Then Jesus spoke to another, and said, “Follow me,” but he was 
not ready; and still another said, “I will follow thee; but let me first 
go and bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.” But 
Jesus said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking 
back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” 

By this Jesus did not mean that it was wrong to be courteous to 
their friends; hut that they who would follow him must care more 
about getting others saved than about the many little acts which they 
had been used to doing to their friends. 


A Great Storm. 

One evening Jesus and his disciples went into a boat to sail over 
to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. 

Soon after they had started, the wind began to blow very hard. 
The great waves dashed against the boat, and it was soon full of water, 
and they were in great danger of being drowned. 

But Jesus was very tired, having preached all day to the people; 
and he had lain down in the end of the ship, with his head upon a 
pillow, and he was sleeping soundly. 

As the storm kept increasing, the disciples went to Jesus and 
awoke him, saying, “Lord, save us: we perish.” Their fear was 
great; for they did not have the faith of the centurion, who believed 
that Jesus was Lord of all. And Jesus said to them, “Why are ye 
fearful, 0 ye of little faith*?” Then he arose, and said to the sea, 
“Peace, be still”; and the wind ceased, and there was a great calip. 

His disciples were astonished when they saw this, and they said, 
“What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and 
waters, and they obey him?” 



9 


THE TEMP-EST ON THE SEA 


















































































































130 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Soon after this, Jesns and his disciples landed on the other side 
of the sea in the country inhabited by the Gadarenes. 

Gadara was a city five miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee. 
At this place and around it in the rocky hillsides were many tombs 
cut. These were rooms from ten to twenty feet square, and some 
larger, with small recesses or places cut out of them for dead bodies. 
Great stone doors with stone hinges were in front of these recesses, 
and it was up among these tombs that .Jesus and his disciples now came. 

CZ>KZ>frC>>0 


Two Dangerous Men. 

As Jesus and his disciples were walking along among these tombs, 
two men possessed with evil spirits met them. These men were very 
dangerous, and most people were afraid to go that way, fearing they 
might be killed. 

One of these men was so fierce that he had often been bound with 
chains and had his feet placed in fetters; but these he would break 
in pieces, and no man could bind him. And always, night # and day, 
he was crying, and cutting himself with stones. 

When this man saw Jesus, he said, “What have I to do with thee, 
Jesus, thou Son of the most high God! I beseech thee, torment me 
not.” Jesus asked him, “What is thy name!” and the evil spirits 
answered, “Legion: for we are many.” 

At a little distance from the place where they were standing was 
a herd of swine feeding; and when Jesus commanded the unclean 
spirits to come out of the man, they asked whether they might enter 
the swine; and he said they might. 

Then the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine. 
The swine at once began to run about, and then they all rushed over 
a steep place, and were drowned in the sea. There were about two 
thousand in the herd. ' ~ 

When the men who cared for the swine saw what had happened, 
their hearts were filled with fear, and they ran away to the city, 




•'? * 


131 















































































































































































































































132 


FAVORITE STORIES 


and told all that had happened—how the man possessed with devils 
had been delivered, and what had become of the swine. 

When the people in the city heard this, they came out to see Jesus, 
and to find out whether these things were true. They found the 
man who had been so fierce and wild, sitting at the feet of Jesus, 
clothed, and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 

As Jesus was leaving the place, the man who had been delivered 
asked Jesus to take him away in the ship; but Jesus told him to go 
home to his friends, and tell them what great things the Lord had 
done for him. The man obeyed his words, and told all his friends 
what a great change had taken place in his mind and body; and they 
could all see that his words were true. 

o*o*o*o 


Levi's Feast. 

Jesus, having reached the other side of Galilee, went into the 
city of Capernaum. He found the people waiting for his return, 
and they were glad to have him once more in their midst. 

One day Jesus and his disciples were invited to the house of a 
man whose name was Levi. This man made a great feast, and many 
guests were invited that were known as publicans and sinners. 

Now, the Pharisees would not eat with this class of people; and 
when they saw Jesus and his disciples at the table, the Pharisees asked, 
“Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?’* 

Jesus told them that he had come to this world to save sinners, 
not the righteous; but the Pharisees could not and would not under¬ 
stand him. 

Jesus spoke as often as he could about his reason for coming 
to this earth and about his death. 

One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus, and 
asked, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples 
fast not?” 

Jesus told them that it was because he was with them. But the 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


133 


time, he said, would come when he should be taken from them; then 
they would fast. 

And he spoke another parable, saying, “No man soweth a piece 
of new cloth on an old garment; else the new piece that tilled it up 
taketli away from the old, and the rent is made worse.” 

By this little saying Jesus showed how impossible it would he 
to patch up the Pharisees’ religion. Their profession was as an old 
garment; and if Jesus would try to patch is up for them, the rents 
would only he made worse. 

0 * 0 * 0*0 

Jairus’ Daughter and the Happy Woman. 

A ruler of the synagogue whose name was Jairus came to Jesus. 
This man was in great trouble; and when he saw Jesus, he fell down 
before him. His little daughter, he said, was very sick, and at the 
point of death; even now she might he dead. But he said that if 
Jesus would only go to his house and lay his hands on her, he knew 
she would he healed and live. 

When Jesus heard this, he and his disciples went with the man, 
and many of the people followed them. Among the people who fol¬ 
lowed them was a woman who had been sick twelve years. She, in 
trying to be made well, had spent all her money upon doctors; but 
she grew worse all the time. 

As she came behind Jesus, she thought, “If I may touch but his 
clothes, I shall be whole”; and reaching out, she touched the hem of 
his garment. When she did so, she felt herself suddenly become well 
and strong, and she knew that she was healed. 

Then Jesus surprised his disciples very much by turning around 
in the crowd and asking who touched his clothes. Peter said, “Master, 
the multitude press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me!” But 
Jesus said, “Some one hath touched me”; and then the woman saw 
that she could not hide the thing she had done, and she came trem¬ 
bling, and fell down at his feet, confessing all the truth. Jesus said, 


134 


FAVORITE STORIES 


“Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole.’* 

He was still speaking to the woman when some messengers came 
fiom the house of Jairus, saying, “Thy daughter is dead; trouble not 
the Master”; but Jesus said to Jairus, “Be not afraid, only believe.” 

When they reached the house, they heard a great noise; for it 
was the custom then to hire people to come and mourn when any one 
died. These people would cry aloud, and try to show the grief of 
the friends by many tears and lamentations. Jesus asked why they 
made such an ado, and said, “The maid is not dead, but sleepeth.” 

When he said this, the people laughed him to scorn, and said that 
they knew she was dead. Then Jesus put them all out except the 
girl’s father and mother and three of his disciples—Peter, James and 
John. Then he went to the place where the little maid was lying, 
and said, “Maid, arise”; and she rose at once, and walked; for she 
was twelve years old. Jesus commanded them to give her some food. 
Her parents were astonished when they saw their precious child re¬ 
stored to them alive. 

c>*o*o*o 

Instructing the Twelve Apostles. 

Now the time had come when Jesus wanted to send his disciples 
out into the world, that they might tell the people about the great 
kingdom of God of which they had been hearing so much. And he 
wanted them to tell the people how they must live if they would like 
to live in that kingdom. 

So he called the Twelve together and told them that the time had 
come when they must go out into the cities and preach to the people. 

He told them that they must first preach to the children of Israel; 
for they were the truly-chosen people of God, the ones God had in¬ 
tended to have for himself. 

He said, “Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor 
scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.” 
For these tilings would be provided for them. And Jesus told them 
that they must do all the wonderful things they had seen him do— 



TOUCHING THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT 


135 






























































































































































































136 


FAVORITE STORIES 


heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; and. 
that they must not charge for any of their services. 

And Jesus said, 4 4 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst 
of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves/’ 
And he told them that they would have to suffer many things for his 
sake, but that he would be with them, and teach them what they were 
to say. 

44 Ye shall/’ he said, 44 be hated of all men for my name’s sake: 
but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. When they persecute 
you in one city, flee ye into another. The disciple is not above his 
master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple 
to be as his master, and the servant as his lord. Fear not them which 
kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him 
which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” 

And Jesus told them that God took care of each little sparrow, 
and even numbered the hairs upon the heads of people; and that there 
was no need for them to worry, as God would care for all who were 
willing to follow his Son, and tell the people what had been done for 
them. 

And he said they must not love their parents nor homes more 
than they loved to go and tell the people how to get saved; for this 
was their cross, and if they would not take up their cross, they were 
not worthy of his love. 

Then he said, 4 4 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that 
receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” 

And he also said that all who were good and kind to his disciples 
would be richly rewarded. Even if they did no more than to give 
them a drink of cold water, they would receive a blessing. 

What a solemn time this must have been for the Twelve! No 
doubt they all felt that a great responsibility was placed upon them. 
When Jesus had finished commanding them, they went out and preached 
that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed 
with oil many that were sick and healed them. 

And the twelve disciples were also known as the twelve apostles, 
for 44 apostle” means any one sent forth to preach the gospel. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


137 


The Twelve Return. 

After a time the apostles returned to the place where Jesus was 
preaching near the Sea of Galilee. They told him all the things they 
had done, and how they had taught the people. 

Jesus was glad to see them again; and as there were so many 
people crowding around to hear and see all they could, Jesus took his 
disciples, and went across the Sea of Galilee in a boat, where they 
might be more to themselves. 

But the people, when they found out where Jesus was, went as 
quickly as they could to the place. They must have been very 
anxious to hear Jesus, don’t you think? 

They were anxious to hear him, but many desired more to be 
made well than they did to hear about the kingdom of heaven. Jesus 
knew this, but he was so sorry for the poor sick people that he healed 
them. He saw that they were like sheep not having a shepherd, and 
so he began again to teach them many things. 

When the evening drew near, the apostles came to him, and re¬ 
minded him that it was nearly night, and that they were in a desert 
place away from all the stores. They asked Jesus to send the people 
away quickly, that they might go into the towns and villages near, 
and buy themselves food before it was too late. 

But Jesus would not send the people away hungry at that late 
hour. 

Now, Jesus knew what he was going to do; but to prove how 
much faith his disciples had, he said to one of them, “ Whence shall 
we buy bread, that these may eat?” Philip was the one of whom the 
question was asked. He could not understand how they, away out 
there in the desert, could get enough bread to feed so many people. 

Then Andrew said, u There is a lad here, which hath five barley 
loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” 

They must have felt somewhat as Moses did when he was in the 
wilderness and God told him he was going to give the children of 
Israel all the meat they could eat for a whole month. 


138 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Moses said: “The people among whom I am are six hundred 
thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh that 
they may eat a whole month. Shall the flocks and the herds be slain 
for them! or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, 
to suffice them!” 

The Lord told him that he would soon see how it would come 
to pass. Then a great wind-storm was sent, which blew thousands of 
quails into the camp of Israel, and the people were two days and a 
night in gathering them. 

Moses might have known from things that had taken place in the 
past that God meant to perform a miracle; but he soon saw the power 
of God manifested. And this was what the disciples saw. 

c>*o*c>kz> 

Five Thousand People are Fed. 

Jesus commanded his apostles to make all the people sit down in 
companies on the grass. There were about fifty in each company. 

When the people were all seated, Jesus took the five loaves of 
barley bread and the two fishes that the lad brought, and looking up 
to heaven, thanked God for them. He then broke the loaves in pieces, 
and gave to the apostles; and he divided the fishes in the same way 
among them. Then the apostles gave them to the multitude. Jesus 
made those few loaves and fishes increase as they were given to the 
people until there was enough for them all. 

Just try to think what a great crowd five thousand people would 
make, and then you can understand better what a great miracle Jesus 
performed. And there were even more than five thousand, for the 
women and the children were not counted. 

When every one had eaten and was satisfied, Jesus said, “Gather 
up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost”; and the disciples 
filled twelve baskets with the pieces that were left from the five loaves 
and the two fishes. 

We might learn a little lesson from what Jesus said about the 



FEEDING FIVE THOUSAND, 


139 







































































































































140 


FAVORITE STORIES 


fragments. We should never waste anything, even though we seem 
to have more than we need. What is not needed for ourselves can 
be kept, and given to some poor person who may need it. God will 
bless all who remember the needs of others; but those who waste what 
they do not seem to need at the time will some day be sorry,* for 
“wilful waste makes woeful want.” 

The people, when they saw this great miracle which Jesus did, 
felt that this must truly be the Messiah for whom their fathers and 
their fathers’ fathers had been looking so many years. They had 
always pictured him up as a mighty king, and now they would have 
been glad to make Jesus their king. 

But Jesus wanted them to understand that his kingdom was not 
of this earth, but of heaven; and that the enemies whom they ought 
to be fighting were not human beings, but evil thoughts and evil deeds. 

At last, when all the people had been sent away, Jesus told his 
disciples to get into a ship and go to the other side of the sea without 
him. He would follow them later, he said; but now he wanted time 
to pray, and to be alone with his heavenly Father. He then went 
up into a mountain. 

o*o*c>*o 

They Thought He Was a Spirit. 

It should not have taken more than two or three hours for the dis¬ 
ciples to sail across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. But the night 
was very stormy, and at midnight the ship in which the disciples were, 
was still far from land. 

Jesus was alone on the shore; but he knew they were having a 
hard time, and that the wind was against them. Although it was 
night, and dark all about him, yet Jesus could see them toiling in 
rowing their boat; and he went out to them, walking on the water. 

When the disciples saw him walking toward them, they thought 
it must have been a spirit, and cried out with fear. But Jesus spoke 
to them, saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” 

How glad they must have been to know that Jesus was coming 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT, 


141 


to help them out of their trouble! Jesus loves to help all who are 
in trouble, if they will only let him. 

Now, Peter, when he heard Jesus speak, said, “ Master, if it be 
thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” And Jesus said, “Come.” 
Peter at once stepped out of the ship upon the waves to go to Jesus. 

All went well at first until he thought of where he was. He could 
hear the fierce wind blowing about him, and hear the splash of the 
waves. This made him afraid, and he began to sink. Then he cried 
out, “Lord, save me!” 

Jesus at once stretched out his hand and caught him, saying, 
“0 thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” 

How strange it seems that Peter would doubt the power of Jesus 
to keep him from sinking! He was like the Christian of to-day when 
the storm of life is raging around him. Just as long as the Christian 
keeps his eyes upon Jesus, he is all right; but when he stops to listen 
to the fierce trials he has to meet, and thinks he is not able to bear 
them, he will sink, unless, like Peter, he cries out, “Lord, save me!” 
Then Jesus will answer, “0 thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou 
doubt?” 

When Jesus had saved Peter from sinking, they went to the ship, 
and the wind stopped blowing. Then those who were in the ship 
came and worshiped Jesus, saying, “Of a truth thou art the Son 
of God.” 

It was not long after this that they reached the other side of the 
sea. As soon as the people knew that Jesus had returned, they 
hastened to bring every one they could who was sick. Some were 
even carried in beds and laid in the street. They said that if they 
could only touch the hem of his garment they should be made well. 
And as many as touched him were made perfectly whole. 




CHRIST WALKING ON THE SEA. 



































































































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


143 


The Multitude Follow Jesus. 

The next day after the multitude had been fed, the people searched 
for Jesus. They knew that he had not left in the ship with the 
disciples, hut they could not find him in the desert where they were. 

At last, when they saw that he was not in their midst, they, also, 
went in ships to Capernaum. When they found Jesus on the other 
side of the sea, they said, “Rabbi, when earnest thou hither?” Jesus 
told them that they were not so glad to see him because of the miracles 
which he did the day before, but because they had eaten of the loaves, 
and were filled. 

And he said, “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for 
that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man 
shall give unto you.” The people did not understand, and they said, 
“What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” 

Jesus told them to believe that he was God’s Son, and that he 
was sent to save the people from their sins. Then they asked him 
what sign they should see to prove that he was the Son of God, and 
said, “Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He 
gave them bread from heaven to eat.” 

Then Jesus answered: “Moses gave you not that bread from 
heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For 
the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth 
life unto the world.” 

When the people heard this, they said, “Lord, evermore give us 
this bread.” But still they could not understand that Jesus meant 
that he himself was the true bread of life. 

Many were displeased with him, and they refused to believe that 
he was sent from heaven to be their Savior. He was not at all like 
the one for whom they were looking. A good many who had really 
believed on him before went back, and would not be his followers 
any more. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Will ye also go away?” 
Peter answered: “Lord, to ydlQW shall we go? thou hast the woi^ds 


144 


FAVORITE STORIES 


of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, 
the Son of the living God.” 

Then Jesus said that he had chosen them, hut that one was his 
enemy. He meant Judas Iscariot, who, he knew, was going to betray 
and sell him to wicked men seeking his life. 

C>£C>frC>K3> 

The Traditions of the Elders. 

The Pharisees tried in every way they knew to find something 
out about Jesus that they could use against him. They did not like 
to hear him tell them that they were not living right nor on the 
road to heaven. They wanted to get to heaven in their own way. 
That was by being very careful to do everything that Moses had com¬ 
manded the children of Israel to do when they were in the wilderness. 
In fact, they wanted to get to heaven in their own way, and not in 
God’s way. 

Following the commands of Moses was all right for the children 
of Israel, for they had no better way; but now God had another way, 
and Jesus was trying to show the people what it was. 

All their efforts to be good and to live right were not worth 
anything in God’s sight so long as they would not love his dear Son, 
whom he had sent to save them. 

At one time a few of the Pharisees came to Jesus. They brought 
with them some of the scribes, or men who claimed to understand and 
explain the Scriptures, or laws given to Moses. They believed that 
part of the laws had been given by God, but that some were given 
by Moses. They called those given by God the written, and those 
given by Moses under God’s direction the oral law, and considered 
them as binding as the first. In this oral law were many commands 
such as not to eat without washing themselves very often. And every 
vessel used in cooking their food had to be washed in a certain way. 
There were many commands of this kind, which if they failed to 
keep, were as though they committed a great sin, and defiled them¬ 
selves. These laws were called “the traditions of the elders.” 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


145 


Now, when these Pharisees and scribes saw some of the disciples 
of Jesns eat bread without first washing their hands, they found fault, 
and asked Jesus why his disciples did not keep these traditions. Jesus 
told them that they were deceiving themselves and others, too, by 
teaching the commandments of men instead of the commandments of 
God. And he told them how they had changed one of the command¬ 
ments of Moses. In this way their tradition had done away with the 
word of God. And Jesus said they were hypocrites, which meant that 
they pretended to be what they were not. 

Jesus then turned to the great crowd of people that was standing 
around, and said: “Hear and understand: not that which goeth into 
the mouth defileth a man; hut that which cometh out of the mouth, 
this defileth a man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.” 

After Jesus had talked so plainly, his disciples came to him, and 
asked whether he knew that he had offended the Pharisees. But 
Jesus said: “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And 
if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” 

The disciples said they could not understand this parable, either; 
so Jesus told them that it was not what a man ate that defiled him, 
but that it was the evil thoughts which came from his heart. He 
named over several things, among which were pride, foolishness, de¬ 
ceit, covetousness, and murder, and said, “These are the things which 
defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” 

o*o*o$o 

The Syrophonician Woman. 

Because of the way the Pharisees felt toward him, Jesus went 
away from Capernaum, where he had preached so many times, and 
had healed so many people. He went up into the land of Phonicia 
as far as the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and visited the Gentile 
cities of Tyre and Sidon. 

Jesus wished to rest and pray, for he often became very tired; 

and at this time he did not care to have the people know where he 
10 


146 


FAVORITE STORIES 


was. But even here the people had heard of the many wonderful 
things he had been doing. 

One day as he was passing along, a Gentile woman came begging 
him to have mercy on her daughter, who was possessed with a devil. 

At first Jesus did not pay any attention to her, and his disciples 
supposed that he did not care to do anything for the woman because 
she was not a Jew. They said, 4 ‘Send her away; for she crieth after 
us”; but this Jesus would not do. 

Jesus will not turn any.away when they come to him; but he 
wanted to try her a little, and see how much faith she had. So he 
said, “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to 
dogs.” But the poor woman was in earnest, and she did not care if 
her people were compared to dogs; for she quickly answered, ‘ ‘ Truth, 
Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master’s 
table.” How her words pleased Jesus! for he said, “0 woman, great 
is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” 

When she returned to her home, she found her daughter perfectly 
cured, and lying upon the bed. 

Once before Jesus had been surprised at the faith of a Gentile. 
You remember it was in the case of the Roman centurion. They had 
both shown more faith than the children of Israel, to whom Jesus 
had been sent. 

0*0*C>KZ> 

The Deaf and Dumb Man Healed. 

Jesus did not remain in Tyre and Sidon long. He returned to 
the opposite side of the Sea of Galilee, and preached in the cities 
known as Decapolis. These were cities, about ten in all, which had 
been built by the Romans. 

Great multitudes came and listened to his preaching. It was near 
the place where the man possessed with a legion of devils had been 
cured. At that time the people had been afraid of the great power 
of Jesus; hut since then the man who had been healed had told so many 
about the wonderful work Jesus had done for him that now they were 



THE WOMAN OF CANAAN, 


147 


























































































































148 


FAVORITE STORIES 


anxious to see him and hear him talk. They brought with them those 
who were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them 
down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them. 

Among those who were brought to Jesus for healing, was a young 
man who was deaf and dumb; that is, he could neither hear nor talk. 
Jesus took him aside from the multitude. Then he put his fingers 



THE SICK ABE HEALED. 


into his ears, and he spit and touched his tongue. Jesus then looked 
up to heaven and sighed. It made him feel sad to see so many suffer¬ 
ing ones all about him. 

Then he spoke a Hebrew word which meant “Be opened,” and 
the man could hear and speak plainly. 























FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


149 


Jesus told them not to say anything about this and the other 
miracles that he did; but they did not heed his words, but told it 
only the more. The people were astonished, and they said, “He hath 
done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb 
to speak, the lame to walk and the blind to see. And they glorified 
the God of Israel. ” 



Jesus Again Feeds the Multitude. 


Jesus continued to preach to the people for three days, during 
which time they had nothing to eat. He was sorry for them; for he 
said to his disciples, “I have compassion on the multitude, because 
they have been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: and if 
I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the 
way: for divers of them came from far.” 

Perhaps his disciples thought of the time not long before this 








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when Jesus fed a multitude even larger than this. But all they said 
was, 4 ‘From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in 
the wilderness V’ Jesus asked them how many loaves they had, and 
they said, “Seven, and a few little fishes/’ 

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and 
broke them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multi¬ 
tude. There was plenty for all; and when they were through eating, 
they took up seven basketfuls of the broken bread and fish. 

He sent the people away. Then with his disciples he took ship, 
and crossed over into the coasts of Magdala, a few miles from 
Capernaum. 

Again the Pharisees came to him. This time they asked him to 
show them a sign from heaven. 

How sad Jesus must have felt! for he knew their purpose. He 
sighed deeply, and said, “Why doth this generation seek after a sign? 
verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto it, but the 
sign of the prophet Jonas.” 

Jesus was comparing his death and resurrection to the time when 
Jonah was within the great fish for three days and nights. 

He also told them that in the evening when they saw that the 
sky was red, they took it as a sign that the next day would be fair; 
but if red in the morning, it would be bad weather. 

Then he called them hypocrites, and said they could easily discern 
the face of the sky, but could not discern or understand the signs 
of the times. 

Jesus and his disciples did not remain in this place long, on account 
of the way the Pharisees felt toward them. They again entered a 
ship and crossed over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. 

The Leaven of the Pharisees. 

The disciples forgot to take any bread with them when they left 
Magdala. When they found that it had been forgotten, and that they 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


151 


were going into the desert again, Jesns said, “Take heed, and beware 
of the leaven of the Pharisees.” 

It seemed strange to the disciples that Jesus should warn them 
in this way just then, and they thought it must be because they had 
forgotten to take any bread with them. Then Jesus said: 44 Why 
reason ye, because ye have no bread? Do ye not yet understand, 
neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many 
baskets ye took up? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, 
and how many baskets ye took up? How is it that ye do not under¬ 
stand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should be¬ 
ware of the leaven of the Pharisees?” 

Then they understood that Jesus did not mean bread when he 
spoke of the leaven of the Pharisees, but that he meant to beware of 
their doctrine or teaching. 

There was another set of people whom Jesus warned the dis¬ 
ciples against. They were called the Sadducees. These people did 
not believe in an oral law as the Pharisees did; and they did not be¬ 
lieve that any one would ever live again after death. And so, of 
course, they did not believe in heaven, with its rewards for those who 
live and do right, nor in hell, with its punishments for those who do 
wickedly. 

But Jesus did not say as much against the Sadducees as he did 
against the Pharisees; perhaps because the Pharisees made so much 
higher profession. 

C>£C>£C>KZ> 

A Blind Man Healed. 

As Jesus went into the city of Bethsaida, they brought to him a 
blind man, and earnestly asked Jesus to heal him and give him back 
his sight. So Jesus took the blind man by the hand, and led him 
away from the town. Then, after he had spit on the man’s eyes, and 
laid his hands upon them, he asked him whether he saw anything. 
The man looked up, and said, 44 I see men as trees walking.” 

Then Jesus again laid his hands upon the man’s eyes, and made 


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him look up. This time his sight was restored, and he could see 
clearly. 

Once more Jesus made the request that nothing be said about his 
miracle which had just been performed. But such good news was 
hard to keep. 

Later on they went north near the town of Caesarea Philippi. And 
one day Jesus asked his disciples a question about himself. He said, 
“Whom do men say that I am?” And they said, “Some say that 
thou art John the Baptist; some, Elias; and others say that one of 
the prophets is risen.” 

Then he said unto them, “But whom say ye that I am?” Peter 
answered him, and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living 
God. ’ ’ 

Jesus told Peter that God had revealed this to him, for that was 
the only way by which he could have known it. 

From that time Jesus began to teach his disciples many things 
about his death and resurrection, and how many things he would have 
to suffer. 

The things that he told them made them very sad; and once Peter 
said, “Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.” Jesus 
rebuked Peter sharply; for these things would have to take place, or 
Jesus would not fulfil his mission to this earth. And he also meant 
to teach them that it was very wrong to try to prevent some friend 
from doing what he felt was his duty, even though it might seem 
to be the path of trial and suffering. 

He said that they must be willing to give their lives for the sake 
of the gospel if necessary, and that they must never be ashamed to 
tell others that they were Christians. 

The Transfiguration. 

A few days after the talk near Caesarea Philippi, Jesus took 
Peter, James, and John up into a mountain to pray. The mountain 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


153 


was known as Mount Hermon, and it was very high. The disciples 
were tired after their long journey; and when they came near the 
top, they lay down, and soon fell asleep. But Jesus did not sleep. 
He had gone up into the mountain to pray; and as he prayed, no 
doubt he thought of the many things that were soon going to happen 
in Jerusalem, and prayed for strength to enable him to endure all 
that was to take place. And his heavenly Father sent him the help 
and strength he needed. 



THE TRANS-FIG-U-RA-TION OF CHRIST. 


At last Peter, James, and John awoke; and as they looked toward 
the part of the mountain where Jesus was praying, they saw a sight 
that filled them with wonder. There was Jesus; but he was changed, 
and his face was shining as brightly as the sun, and his raiment was 
as white as the snow. More than that, two men were with him, and 
they were speaking about the death of Jesus, which was to take place 
in Jerusalem. These men were Moses and Elias. 












154 


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It was indeed a strange and grand sight. Peter wanted to say 
something; for he felt that he should like to have this sight continue 
there forever, as it was so beautiful. 

What he did say was that it would he nice if they would build 
three tabernacles—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elias. 
But while Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, 
and, behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, 
in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” 

When the disciples heard the voice, they were frightened; and 
then Jesus was changed back to the way he had been before, and 
Moses and Elias disappeared from view, and Jesus said, “Arise, and 
be not afraid.” 

Jesus told them not to tell this vision to any one until after he 
had risen from the dead, and they did not tell it. 

But they asked Jesus why it was that the prophets had said Elias 
must first come and restore all things, and that the Son of man must 
suffer many things, and be set at naught. Then Jesus told them that 
Elias had already come, and he said to them: “They have done unto 
him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man 
sutler of them.” Then the disciples understood that he spoke of 
John the Baptist. 

0 * 030*0 

Jesus Heals a Lunatic. 

As Jesus and his three disciples came down from the mountain 
the next day, they found many people waiting for them. The Bible 
says that the people were amazed when they saw Jesus. The glory 
of God must have still been shining in his face. 

Many ran to meet him, and among those who were in such haste 
was a man whose son was a lunatic. 

Now, a lunatic is any one who is insane or a madman. This boy 
could not speak because he was possessed with a dumb spirit. 

How much this father must have loved his poor boy, for he was 
his only child! 


PkOill THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


155 


When he came to Jesus, he cried out: “Master, I beseech thee, 
look upon my son; for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh 
him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth 
again, and bruising him, hardly departeth from him. And I brought 
him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.” 

Jesus was grieved that his disciples could not cast out the evil 
spirit; for he had given them power over all unclean spirits when 
he had sent them out to preach. And he said, “0 faithless genera¬ 
tion, how long shall I be with you?” Then turning to the father, 
he said, “Bring thy son hither.’’ 

The boy was brought forward; but as he was coming, the evil 
spirit threw him down upon the ground, and he wallowed, foaming. 

Jesus asked the man how long his son had been in this condition, 
and he answered, “Of a child.” And he said that many times the 
evil spirit had cast his son into the tire and into the waters to destroy 
him. And then he begged Jesus to have compassion and help them. 

Jesus’ answer was so precious. He said, “If thou canst believe, 
all things are possible to him that believeth.” How glad the poor 
man must have been when he heard these kind words! With tears 
in his eyes, he said, “Lord, I believe: help thou mine unbelief.” : 

Jesus then rebuked the evil spirit, and said, “Thou dumb and 
deaf spirit, I charge thee come out of him, and enter no more into 
him.” 

Once more the spirit threw the boy down as it had so many times 
before; but at the command of Jesus it came out, and the boy lay 
as one dead, and many of the crowd said, “He is dead.” 

But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and delivered 
him back to his father. What joy must have filled that father’s heart 
when he knew his son was cured! 






156 


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A Little Talk with His Disciples. 

When the disciples were alone with Jesus, they asked him why 
they were unable to cast the evil spirit out of the lunatic, and Jesus 
said it was because of their unbelief. 

And Jesus told them that if they only had faith as a grain of 
mustard seed, which seed is very small, they could say to a mountain, 
‘‘Remove hence to yonder place,” and it would obey them. For he 
had given them such power that nothing was impossible for them. 

Still, Jesus told them that this kind of spirit went out only by 
prayer and fasting. 

What a beautiful lesson of faith the little mustard seed taught 
them! Although it was so very small, yet it was perfect. Our faith 
in Jesus may be small; but it must be perfect, if we expect it to 
become great. And, then, it also taught how small they were in them¬ 
selves. All their greatness came from God. 

At last Jesus left Caesarea Philippi. This time he went around 
through the country of Galilee, and returned to Capernaum. 

But he told his disciples that he had rather no one would know 
about it, and then he told them why. He said, “The Son of man is 
delivered into the hands of men: and they shall kill him; and after 
that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.” And he said, “Let 
these sayings sink down into your ears.” 

They did not understand what Jesus meant, and they were afraid 
to ask him; but they thought many times about it. 

0*0*0*o 

The Tribute Money. 

The Roman king was very careful to see that all taxes were paid 
to him by all the Jews. And you remember that Mary and Joseph 
went to be taxed. 

But there was still another kind of tax, or tribute money. This 
was a fixed sum of money, which would amount to about eighteen 



0/V/WeUV 




PETER AND THE TRIBUTE-MONEY 


157 

















158 


FAVORITE STORIES 


cents of our money. This was paid by every Jew in whatever part 
of the world he might live, and was claimed for the expenses of the 
temple services. 

Now,- it happened that one day while Jesus was in Capernaum, 
some one came to Peter and asked him whether Jesus were willing 
to pay tribute, and Peter answered yes. 

But when Peter arrived at his house, he found that there was 
no money either for him or for Jesus. He was about to speak of 
the matter; but before he had time, Jesus said that it was not neces¬ 
sary that they should pay this money, but that for fear some one 
might think they had done wrong and had not obeyed the laws of 
the land, it would be better to pay the money. 

Then he said, “Go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up 
the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, 
thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for 
me and thee.” 

Jesus knew that the Pharisees were eagerly waiting to find out 
something against him. And this matter was one that they could use 
to good advantage. 

A Lesson on Humility. 

On the journey down to Capernaum the disciples had talked much 
about the kingdom of heaven; and they wondered which of them would 
be the greatest. 

You see they did not understand the words of Jesus concerning^! 
his death, his kingdom, and all the deep things of which he ha<f;’ : 
spoken. Jesus did not intend that they should; but there was a time 
coming when they would know and understand all, and it was not far 
away. Then they would remember that their Master had told them, 
and their faith and confidence would be increased. 

Jesus knew what they had said on the way, and so now he called 
the Twelve together and explained some things to them. He said that 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


159 


if any one desired to be great in the kingdom of heaven, he would 
be the least, or servant of all. 

And then he took a little child and stood it up in their midst, 
and explained that unless they were converted and became as little 
children, they could not even enter the kingdom of heaven. 



THE LITTLE CHILD. 

This was not the only time that the disciples had wondered who 
would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus had often ex¬ 
plained to them that his kingdom was different from the kingdoms 








160 


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of this world, where those who have the most money and influence are 
greatest; but it was so hard for them to understand about it. 

Jesus went on to tell his disciples that those who showed kindness 
to little children were really doing a service to him, and that he would 
bless and reward them for the same. 

And he also warned them against doing anything against a little 
child that could harm it, such as setting a bad example before it, 
or by any careless or wicked acts that would cause a child to fall into 
sin. It would be better for such, he said, that a millstone were hanged 
about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 

C>£CD*CZ>fcG> 

Offenses. 

Jesus said, “Woe unto the world because of offenses.” By of¬ 
fenses he meant the many wicked and sinful things the people were 
doing every day. He also said, “It must needs be that offenses come; 
but woe unto that man by whom the offense cometh!” 

Jesus, perhaps, was again referring to his death, which was soon 
to take place at Jerusalem. And it was necessary that Jesus should 
be offended, treated cruelly, and put to death, in order that God’s 
plan should be fulfilled, and that Jesus could become a sacrifice for 
the world. 

But although it was necessary that these offenses should come, 
every person had a right to choose whether he would be the one to 
harm Jesus or not. 

Offenses are still occurring every day, but we still have the right 
or privilege of choosing whether we will obey God or not. No one 
is obliged to do evil or offend God; but many do, and they will suffer 
for it, both in this life and in the life to come. Jesus said that if 
there was anything about his disciples that would make them want 
to do evil, they should get rid of it; for it was even better to enter 
into the kingdom of God with a hand or a foot cut off or an eye taken 
out, than to have all these members, and be cast into hell fire, as 
that fire could never be put out. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


161 


This lesson was also meant for us. We should never let any¬ 
thing remain about us that would hinder our serving God or keep us 
out of heaven. Oh! it means so much to serve the Lord, and to live 
so that we may know we are not offending him; but it is our privilege 
to live pure and holy lives even in this world. 

Jesus said he had come to this earth to save the lost, and then 
he spoke the parable about the lost sheep. He said that if a man 
had a hundred sheep, and one of them should stray away from the 
rest, the man would quickly leave the ninety and nine, and go over 
the mountains in search of the one he had lost; and that when he had 
found it, he would be very glad, and would rejoice over it even more 
than he would over the ninety and nine that went not astray. 

That, he said, was the way his heavenly Father felt about all his 
children. It was not his will that any of them should perish. 

j Forgiveness. 

As the disciples listened to the words of Jesus, many things passed 
through their minds. His words seemed so deep and strange that 
he had often to explain their meaning. One time when Jesus was 
teaching them about their duty to forgive their enemies, Peter asked 
how many times they ought to forgive any one, and whether seven 
times would be enough. Jesus answered that they must forgive their 
brother not only seven times, but seventy times seven, if he trespassed 
against him so often; and then he spoke the following parable to show 
his meaning: 

“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, 
which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun 
to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand 
talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded 
him to he sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and 
payment to he made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshiped 
him, saying. Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 
lx 


162 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed 
him, and forgave him the debt. 

“But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow 
servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on 
him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 
And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, 
Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: 
but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 

“So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very 
sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then 
his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, 0 thou wicked 
servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 
shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, 
even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered 
him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from 
your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” 

o*o*o*o 

More Disciples Instructed and Sent Out. 

You have heard how Jesus called his twelve disciples together and 
gave them power to heal the sick people, and to do other wonderful 
things, and how he sent them out to the different cities to preach to 
the people. When Jesus saw how anxious the people were to hear 
the gospel, he said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are 
few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send 
forth laborers into his.harvest.” And he sent other disciples out as 
he had the Twelve. This time he appointed a much larger number 
of disciples than he did at first. There were seventy in all. He 
wanted them to go into as many different places as possible; so he did 
not send them out together, but sent just two to each place, into the 
cities and towns. 

When he was sending them forth he said, “Behold, I send you 



THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT 


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164 


FAVORITE STORIES 


forth as lambs among wolves.” He knew there would be many places 
where they would meet bitter persecution, and where they would need 
much help from the Lord. 

This host of gospel workers did not go forth without being able 
to accomplish something. Jesus gave them the power that they would 
need. He knew there would be many people needing help, and many 
sick people who would be glad to be healed; so he gave them the 
power to heal the sick, just the same as he had given it to the twelve 
disciples who had been sent before this. He gave them not only power 
to heal the sick, but also power to cast evil spirits out of those who 
were possessed. Many people were truly made glad because he had 
given his power to others besides the twelve disciples. 

He is a good and loving Savior, and wants to do all he can for 
those who will believe on his name. He has made a way whereby 
we can all share 'the same blessings and privileges that those did who 
walked with him here on this earth. He has promised these things 
to all who will believe; so if we are believers, we can come to him 
for help in sickness and trial, and in every way we may need his help. 

0*0*C>fr<0 

Feast of Tabernacles. 

This was a great feast kept by the Jews. Moses had commanded 
them to keep this feast in memory of their wandering in the wilder¬ 
ness; but Moses had called it the feast of the harvest, for it was to 
be kept near the end of the year. Now the time for this feast was 
near at hand; and the brethren of Jesus said to him, “Depart hence, 
and go into Jerusalem, that thy disciples also may see the works that 
thou doest.” 

Now, the brethren of Jesus did not believe that he was the Son 
of God, and this was why they said this. Jesus was sad when he 
heard them say this; for he knew how they felt toward him, and he 
was not ready to go up to Jerusalem yet. Then he said to them, 
“My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready. The 



.t • * * * 

















































































166 


FAVORITE STORIES 


world can not liate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that 
the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast; I go not yet 
up unto this feast; for my time is nc«t yet fully come.” 

After this his brethren went up to Jerusalem to the feast. But 

Jesus remained in Galilee for a time, and then he, also, went up to 

Jerusalem; but he went secretly, for he did not wish his brethren to 

know where he was at the time. 

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus passed through a village of the 
Samaritans; but because Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem to attend 
the feast, the people of this town would not receive him. When James 
and John saw this, they said, 4 4 Lord, wilt thou that we command fire 
to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did!” 
The Samaritans, no doubt, had said unkind words to them, and the 
disciples thought they ought to be punished. But Jesus turned, and 
said to them: 44 Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For 
the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. 
And they went to another village.” 

At this place there were ten lepers. They were in a place far 
away from every one else; for a man who had the disease of leprosy 
was at once sent away from his home to keep his friends from taking 
the dreadful disease. When these men saw Jesus, they lifted their 
voices, and said, 44 Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 

Jesus heard them call for help, and he said to them, 4 4 Go show 
yourselves unto the priests.” 4 And it came to pass, that, as they 
went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he 
was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell 
down on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks.’ 

Jesus was glad when he saw this one return, giving thanks for 
what had been done for him; but he was surprised that the other nine 
did not return also, and he asked, “Where are the nine?” We see 
the same things to-day. Many people receive help from God for 
both their bodies and their souls; but few of those who are helped, 
remember to give God the praise or thanks for the same. We should 
never forget to praise the Lord for his goodness to us. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


167 


Jesus at the Feast. 

The feast had already begun when Jesus reached Jerusalem. 
Many of the Jews were trying to find him: some because they be¬ 
lieved he was a good man, and wished to hear him preach; and some 
because they wished to do him harm. For, you remember, it was 
because the Jews desired to kill him that he left Capernaum at dif¬ 
ferent times. But although some of the Jews, and especially the 
Pharisees, longed to put Jesus to death, they were afraid to say very 
much against him, fearing those who were his friends. 

Jesus’ first act when he arrived in Jerusalem was to go to the 
temple and teach the people. They listened eagerly to his words, 
and they were astonished at his teaching; for they knew that he had 
never had the advantages of school-life and learning. But Jesus said 
to them, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me”; and he 
said, “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, 
whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” 

Jesus once more taught the people by parables, in order that they 
might draw lessons from the things around them; and while he was 
teaching them, he said, “Why go ye about to kill me?” The people 
were surprised when he said this. They could not understand how 
he could know what was in their minds, and they answered: “Thou 
hast a devil. Who goeth about to kill thee?” 

Although the people had such hatred in their hearts toward Jesus, 
he continued to preach to them. One day some one asked, “Is not 
this he whom they seek to kill?” The people wondered how he would 
dare to preach to them at such a time, and some asked whether he 
were really the Christ for whom they were looking. 

Then cried Jesus in the temple, saying, “Ye both know me, and 
ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent 
me is true, whom ye know not. But I know him, for I am from him.” 

Although they were so angry with Jesus, and wished so much to 
see him put to death, yet no one dared to do him any harm, for the 
time had not come for this. Many of the people, however, believed 


168 


FAVORITE STORIES 


on him, and said, “When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles 
than this man doeth?” 

Jesus continued to preach in the temple until the last day of the 
feast; and many said, “Of a truth this is a prophet,” and others 
said, “This is the Christ.” 

On the last day of the feast the Pharisees sent officers to take Jesus 
and kill him; but when these officers heard Jesus’ words, they could 
not do as they were commanded, and they returned without him. 
When asked by the Pharisees why they had done this, they answered 
that they had never before heard any one speak as Jesus spoke. Then 
the Pharisees asked the officers whether they, too, were deceived, and 
whether any of the leaders of Israel believed on Jesus. Then Nico- 
demus, the Pharisee who had gone to Jesus in the night to listen to 
his teaching, asked whether it were right to judge a man before they 
had heard what he had to say for himself. They knew that this was 
against their law; but they only mocked Nicodemus, and asked whether 
he, also, were a follower of Christ. 

The Dispute with the Pharisees. 

On the eastern side of Jerusalem was a mountain known as the 
Mount of Olives. Jesus, while in Jerusalem, often went to this place 
to pray and to rest; and he went there after the feast of the tabernacles 
had ended. 

When he again returned to the temple, it was very early in the 
morning; and many people came in, and he sat down and taught them. 
As he was teaching the people, the Pharisees brought before him a 
woman who had led a very sinful life, and told Jesus that according 
to the law of Moses she ought to be stoned. They asked him what 
he would advise them to do. This they did in order that they might 
have something to bring against Jesus; but he pretended not to hear 
* them. “He stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, 
as though he heard them not.” 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


169 


But they continued asking him; so he, rising, said to them, “He 
that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” 
“And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.” 

“And they which heard it, being convicted by their own con¬ 
science, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the 
last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he 
said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man 
condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto 
her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” 

Jesus once more began to preach to the people. He told them 
that he was the light of the world, and that all who followed him 
should not walk in darkness, but should have the light of life. 

Once more the Pharisees began to contradict him and said, 4 ‘ Thou 
bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.” 

Jesus answered, “Though I bear record of myself, yet my record 
is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye can not 
tell whence I came, and whither I go.” And he said that God had 
sent him from heaven to show them these things, and that even 
Abraham rejoiced to see this day, for he saw it, and was glad. But 
now they sought to kill him, because he had told them the truth, which 
he had heard from God. This Abraham did not do. 

The Jews asked Jesus how it was that he had seen Abraham, who 
had been dead so many years; and Jesus answered, “Before Abraham 
was, I am.” 

“Then they took up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, 
and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and 
so passed by.” 

o*o*o*o 

The Lawyer Instructed. 

At one time a, lawyer came and asked Jesus what he would have 
to do in order that he might inherit eternal life. Jesus referred him 
to the law of Moses, and asked him what it taught him to do; and 


170 


FAVORITE STORIES 


the lawyer answered, 4 4 Thon shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart, and with all thy sonl, and with all thy strength, and with all 
thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus then said, “Thou hast 
answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” 

Now, the lawyer knew that he had not loved his neighbor as him¬ 
self, and so pretending not to know what the commandment meant, he 
said to Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus wanted to show him 
that he was not so ignorant as he tried to appear, and so he spoke a 
parable. 

He said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. 
This man fell among thieves by the wayside who stripped him of 
his raiment and wounded him and departed, leaving him half dead. 
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and when 
he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, 
when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by 
on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came 
where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and 
went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and 
set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took out 
two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care 
of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, 
I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was 
neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He 
that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do 
thou likewise.” 

Two Jews passed by the poor wounded man, but the good Sama¬ 
ritan showed him mercy. Jesus used the Samaritan to show this 
proud lawyer the lesson he wished him to learn—that he should show 
compassion without respect of persons. The Jews, you remember, 
despised the Samaritans, and had no dealings with them; but in spite 
of this fact the good Samaritan was the one who had compassion on 
the poor wounded Jew. 


* 



THE GOOD SAMARITAN. 171 


























































































































































































































































172 


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In Bethany. 

Jesus had spent some time in Jerusalem, and now he crossed over 
the river Jordan, and went into the country of Perea. We next find 
him in a small village called Bethany. This was not far from the 
Mount of Olives. 

In Bethany was a home that Jesus often visited. It was called 
the home of Martha and Mary. There these two sisters lived with 
their brother Lazarus. Jesus was always a welcome visitor at their 
house. 

These two sisters were much unlike each other. Martha was 
very active, and she took great pleasure in doing all she could to 
make others happy and comfortable. Mary, on the other hand, was 
of a quiet disposition, and to her there was no greater joy than to 
sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to his words. It seemed to Martha 
that her sister did not help her share the cares and responsibilities 
of the work enough; and one day when Mary was sitting as usual at 
the feet of Jesus while she herself was busy, she said to him, “Lord, 
dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid 
her therefore that she help me.” But Jesus knew that Mary was 
learning of the deep things of heaven, and so he said, “Martha, Martha, 
thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is 
needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not he 
taken away from her.” 

Jesus very much enjoyed Martha and Mary’s quiet little home; 
yet he did not remain there long at a time, for we find that he was 
traveling at out from place to place. 

0 * 0 * 0*0 

The Disciples Taught to Pray. 

One time when Jesus was alone with his disciples, one of them 
said, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples”; and 
then Jesus taught them this prayer: “Our Father which art in heaven, 



1 i FRIEND, 


LEND ME THREE LOAVES. ’ * 


173 























































































































































































































































































































174 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Hallowed be tliy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as 
in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And 
forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted 
to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” 

And then he taught them a lesson of importunity, which means 
that if God did not the first time they prayed give them the things 
they asked for, they should ask again and again until they received 
them. 

To make this meaning clear to them, he spoke another parable. 
He said: “Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him 
at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a 
friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to 
set before him. And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble 
me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; 
I can not rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not 
rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his im¬ 
portunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. ’ ’ 

Jesus did not want his disciples to think that their heavenly Father 
would not at once give them the things for which they asked him, nor 
that he would give them their request simply that they might not 
trouble him with their prayers; but he wanted them to understand 
that they must be in earnest when they asked for anything from God, 
and not stop asking until they received the thing for which they asked. 

When a favor, small or great. 

You have asked from God on high, 

You’ll receive it if you wait; 

Do not leave with tear or sigh. 


God will help you, never fear; 

For he is a God of love; 

But sometimes he’d have you wait, 
Just your faith to better prove. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


175 


The Seventy Return. 

The seventy whom Jesus had sent out to preach to the people, 
and tell them that he was God’s Son sent down from heaven to save 
the people from their sins, now returned. As Jesus welcomed them, 
their hearts were full of joy; and they began telling him at once of 
the wonderful miracles that had taken place. They said, “Lord, 
even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” 

Jesus saw that there was danger of their becoming exalted, or 
thinking that they had cast the devils out through some great power 
in themselves. “And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning 
fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents 
and scorpions, arid over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall 
by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the 
spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names 
are written in heaven,” or that they were chosen for so great a work. 

Jesus would have them give God all the praise and glory for all 
the mighty works that had been done through them. But, still, their 
words had made Jesus very happy; for he said, “I thank thee, 0 
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from 
the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, 
Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.” 

Then turning to his disciples, he said, “Blessed are the eyes which 
see the things that ye see: for T tell you, that many prophets and 
kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not 
seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard 
them. ’ ■ 

The names of the Seventy are not given; but the Lord had told 
them that their names were written in the Book of Life. 

It was not so with all the Twelve, for one of that number was 
very wicked. It was Judas Iscariot. This disciple had had the same 
power to do great works that was given to the rest of the Twelve and 
to the Seventy; but his soul was full of evil, and he chose to do wrong 
rather than right, 


176 


FAVORITE STORIES 


All have this privilege. They are told to choose whom they will 
serve, Christ or Satan; and the choice they make decides what king¬ 
dom they will inherit, and also what kind of life they will lead. 

OOK>0 

A Man Born Blind is Healed. 

It was a common belief among the Jews that afflictions came upon 
people on account of their sins. One day as Jesus passed along, 
he saw a man who was blind from his birth. This poor man had 
never looked into the faces of his father and mother; had never seen 
the sky at night, when the stars sparkled in its depths, nor the sun 
by day, when it lighted up the earth, and made everything around 
seem beautiful. 

This poor man had never seen these things; and the disciples 
of Jesus asked, saying, “ Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, 
that he was born blind !” Jesus told them that they must not suppose 
that either the man himself or his parents had sinned more than others, 
but that the works of God should be made plain through him. 

Jesus told them that he must hasten to do the works that God 
had sent him to do; for it would soon be night, and no more work 
could be done. He referred to the time when he would be taken 
away to die on the cross. After this he anointed the eyes of the blind 
man, and told him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. This the 
man did, and he could see the same as other people. 

The news that the blind man could see, quickly spread abroad. 
The neighbors, who had known him so well, could hardly believe that 
it was the blind beggar who had sat and begged. “Some said, This 
is he; others said, He is like him; but he said, I am he.” Then they 
asked him, “How were thine eyes opened!” “He answered and said, 
A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and 
said unto me, Go to the Pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and 
washed, and I received sight.” 

The news of the blind man’s healing soon reached the ears of 



FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 177 

the Pharisees. They sent and had him brought before them, and 
made him repeat the whole story of how he had been cured. 

Now, it happened that the day on which the man had been healed 


was the Sabbath; and the Pharisees said, 4 ‘This man is not of God, 
because he keepeth not the Sabbath-day. ’ ’ But there was a division 
among them; for some said, ‘ ‘ How can a man that is a sinner do such 
miracles t” Then turning to the man who had been blind, they asked 
him what he thought of the one who had opened his eyes; and he said, 
“He is a prophet / 9 


ONCE I WAS BLIND, BUT NOW I SEE.’* 





178 


FAVORITE STORIES 


This was not the answer they wished to have him make, and 
therefore they were not pleased. They wanted to bring all the things 
against Jesus that they could. They tried to make themselves believe 
that the man had never been blind; so they sent for his parents. 

When the parents came, the Pharisees asked, “Is this your son, 
who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? His parents 
answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he 
was born blind: but by what means he now seetli, we know not; or 
who hath opened his eyes, we know not; he is of age; ask him: he 
shall speak for himself. ” 

Now, these parents spoke in this way because they were afraid 
of the Pharisees; for the enemies of Jesus had said that if any man 
did confess Jesus to be the Christ, he should be put out of the syna¬ 
gogue, and not allowed to join in the worship of God there. 

Then the Pharisees called the man who had been blind, and told 
him to give God the praise, for Jesus was a sinner; but the man 
answered, “Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing 
I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to 
him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He 
answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: where¬ 
fore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? 

“Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple: but we 
are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for 
this fellow, we know not from whence he is. 

“The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a mar¬ 
velous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath 
opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but 
if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 
Since the worlds began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes 
of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could 
do nothing. 

“They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born 
in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.” 

When Jesus heard what they had done, that is, that they had cast 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


179 


him out of their synagogue, he went with words of comfort, and asked 
the man if he believed in the Son of God. “He answered and said, 
Who is he, Lord, that 1 might believe on him? And Jesus said unto 
him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 
And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshiped him. And Jesus 
said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see 
not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. 

“And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these 
words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, 
If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: hut now ye say, We see; 
therefore your sin remaineth.” 


g>*c>:< z>:«c> 


The Sheep of Palestine. 

Grass grew in abundance in Palestine, and on account of the nice 
pasture very many sheep were raised. 

In many places the Bible speaks about sheep, and of their being 
animals that are very apt to go astray if they do not have a shepherd, 
or person to take care of them. Therefore each flock of sheep had 
its own shepherd to lead it about from one pasture to another. 

This was very necessary; for the sun becomes very hot there, and 
in the summer it does not rain, and the grass becomes dry and brown 
in many places. Then the shepherds have to pick out those valleys 
where there is still some moisture, and where there is good grass, 
or else their sheep will die. 

We read in the Bible a good deal about men who lived in olden 
times and who were shepherds. Abraham was a shepherd, and he 
had many sheep, for which he cared very tenderly. So, too, Isaac 
was a shepherd, and his son Jacob had many sheep, and was a rich 
man. His sons were shepherds also, and they used to guide their 
flocks to places where there was good pasture. 

Later on we find that Moses was a shepherd; and for forty years 


180 


FAVORITE STORIES 


he led his flocks in the wilderness, and watched over them and cared 
for them with the most tender love. 

It was while he was watching over his sheep that God spoke to 
him out of the burning bush, and told him that lie must go down to 
Egypt and deliver the children of Israel from their cruel bondage 
in Egypt. 



THE SHEPHERD LEADING HIS FLOCK. 


Moses obeyed God and went down, and in this way became the 
leader of Israel to the land of Palestine. 

Even King David was a shepherd, and he risked his life at dif¬ 
ferent times to save his sheep. 

In one of his Psalms he says: “The Lord is my shepherd; I 









THE SHEPHERD AND THE LAMBS. 


181 






































































































































































182 


FAVORITE STORIES 


shall not want. He maketli me to lie down in green pastures: he 

leadetli me beside the still waters. . . . Yea, though I walk through 

the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art 
with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” 

David wanted to express his confidence in God; for he felt that 

God would he just as good to him in every time of need as he himself 

was willing to be to his own sheep. 

The sheep become so acquainted with their shepherd that they 
know his voice as soon as they hear it, and they will not follow any 
one else. 

The sheep-cote or fold spoken of in the Bible was the place where 
the sheep were led at night for protection from the wild animals. 
An old house, a cave, or some place that had a high wall around it, 
was usually chosen. 

The sheep or lamb was a common sacrifice among the Jews, who 
kept the law of Moses. It was very suitable for this purpose, on 
account of its innocence, mildness, submission, and patience. 

Many times, to reach the sheepfold, they were forced to climb 
up a steep, narrow, and rocky path. The sheep did not mind this; 
but all followed their shepherd, who was leading them carefully over 
the rough places. 

The Good Shepherd. 

There was another great feast in Jerusalem. This time it was 
the feast of the dedication, and it was in the winter. 

This feast was kept in memory of the time when the Jews recon¬ 
secrated the temple after it had been profaned more than one hundred 
years before the birth of Jesus. It usually lasted eight days. The 
Jews would light one light on the first day, two on the second, and so 
on until the eighth day, when they lighted eight. It was often by 
them called the “feast of lights.” 

This was a time of great merry-making among them, and business 
of all kinds went on as usual. 




183 
















































































184 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Jesus came to this feast, not to take part in their amusements, 
but to preach to the many people who would be present. 

One day Jesus walked in that part of the temple known as Solo¬ 
mon’s Porch, and the Jews gathered round him with the question, 
4 ‘How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell 
us plainly.” 

Now, Jesus had told them many times before, but they did not 
believe him; so he said: “I told you, and ye believed not: the works 
that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness* of me. But ye 
believe not, because ye are not my sheep.” 

Now, Jesus had never lived the life of a shepherd, yet he knew 
what it meant to be a shepherd, and he also knew all about the habits 
of sheep; and now he used them as an example to show the people 
the meaning of his words. 

You know, in all the parables, Jesus gave examples from the 
things about him. 

Now, in his talk in the temple he went on to say: “My sheep 
hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. My Father 
gave them me; and no man is able to pluck them out of my 
Father’s hand. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd givetli 
his life for the sheep.” 

And Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a sheepfold, and 
said that he was the door. If any, he said, wished to enter, they 
must enter by the door, or they would be as thieves and robbers who 
try to climb up over the wall or to enter by some other wrong way. 

Jesus said that he had other sheep, who were not of that fold; 
that those he would bring; and that there would be one fold and one 
shepherd. He was speaking of the Gentiles, who were considered as 
lost sheep; and he meant that they would have the same privileges 
that the Jews enjoyed. 

Those who loved Jesus knew perfectly well what he meant by 
what had been said. But the Pharisees said, “He hath a devil, and 
is mad; why hear ye him!” Some one asked whether a devil could 
open the eyes of the blind, but the Pharisees only became more angry. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


185 


At last their hatred and anger was so great that they took up 
stones to throw at Jesus. 

Then Jesus asked them for which of his good works they were 
going to stone him. They answered that it was not for any good 
work, but because he, being a man, made himself equal with God. 

Jesus said, “Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods'?” 
He then asked them how, if this was true, they could say he blas¬ 
phemed because he said that he was the Son of God. And he said 
that the works alone which he did, were enough to convince them that 
what he said was true. 

When Jesus saw that they were determined to kill him, he es¬ 
caped out of their hands. 

C>KZ>KZ>KZ} 

Grief in the Home at Bethany. 

On account of the great persecution by the Pharisees, Jesus was 
obliged to leave Jerusalem again. We next read about him on the 
other side of the river Jordan, in that part of the country where John 
at first baptized the people. 

Many of the people gathered around him to hear his wonderful 
words. Many, also, of the men there believed on him, remembering 
how John had pointed him out as the Messiah, and had told them to 
prepare for his coming. 

But a sad event took him back for a short time quite close to 
Jerusalem. 

In the little home in Bethany where Jesus had so often visited, 
Lazarus was taken very sick. 

His loving sisters, Martha and Mary, at once thought of their 
friend Jesus, and sent him word that their brother was sick. They 
believed that if Jesus were only there, he could heal their brother, 
whom he loved so tenderly. 

Jesus was grieved when he heard of their trouble; but he was 
very busy at the time, and did not feel that he could leave the people. 


186 


FAVORITE STORIES 


He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, 
that the Son of God might be glorified thereby/’ So he remained 
two days longer in the same place where he was. On the third day 
he said to his disciples, “Let us go into Judea again/’ 

His disciples were much surprised when they heard him say this, 
and reminded him of the late persecution of the Jews, and of how 
they had sought to stone him; and they even tried to persuade him 
not to venture. 

But Jesus told them there was no danger, for God would protect 
them; and then he said, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, 
that I may awake him out of sleep / 1 

The disciples did not understand that Jesus meant that Lazarus 
was dead, for he had said the words so quietly, and they said, “Lord, 
if he sleep; he shall do well.” 

Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And I am 
glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent that ye may 
believe/’ And then he said, “Let us go unto him.” 

The disciples still felt that for Jesus to go to Bethany would surely 
mean death, for he would be so near his enemies; but Thomas said, 
almost in despair, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” 

o*o*o*o 

Jesus Returns to Bethany. 

The sisters in Bethany surely felt that Jesus had forsaken them 
in their hour of grief. How they must have longed to see him! 

When Jesus reached Bethany, he found the household full of sad¬ 
ness. Lazarus had died, and had been buried. Many friends and 
kind neighbors had come to try to help comfort the two sisters. 

Among those who had come, were many Jews, who were helping 
to do the things necessary to be done at such times. 

Some one brought the news to Martha that Jesus was coming, and 
she went at once to meet him; but Mary sat quietly in the house. 


t 



187 


































188 


FAVORITE STORIES 


As soon as Martha came to where Jesns was, she said, “Lord, 
if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” 

Jesus told Martha that her brother would rise again; but she 
thought he was speaking of the time when he would rise in the resur¬ 
rection at the last day, and she said that she knew he would rise then. 

But Jesus explained to Martha that he was the resurrection and 
the life, and said, “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, 
yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never 
die.” Then he asked her whether she believed, and she said that 
she believed he was the Christ, the Son of God, who should come into 
the world. 

Jesus did not care to go to the crowded house; so Martha returned 
alone, and called her sister secretly, and told her Jesus had come, 
and wanted to see her. 

Now, Martha knew that many of the Jews were in the house, who 
had come to comfort them, and that if they were to find out that Jesus 
was near, they might do him harm. 

As soon as Mary heard the joyful news that Jesus was near, she 
arose quickly, and went to the place where Martha had talked with him. 

Some of the Jews saw Mary leave the house in such haste, and 
thinking that she was going to her brother’s grave to weep, they 
followed, that they might be able to say comforting words to her. 
Although these Jews had such hatred for Jesus, some of them had 
tender hearts, and they pitied these tw T o sisters. 

Mary was weeping when she came to Jesus, and she fell down at 
his feet saying the same words that Martha had said just a short 
time before, which were, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother 
had not died.” 

When Jesus saw her weeping, and also saw the pitying tears on 
the faces of the Jews who were with her, he was very sorrowful, and 
groaning, he asked where they had laid Lazarus. They said, “Lord, 
come and see.” 

Jesus knew how much these two sisters loved their dear brother, 
and how lonely they were now, and he wept with them. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


189 


Some of the Jews, when they saw Jesus weeping, said, “Behold 
how he loved him!” and others said, “Could not this man, which 
opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should 
not have died?” 

o*o*o*o 

Lazarus is Raised from the Dead. 

When Jesus and the mourners had come to the grave, which was 
a small room cut out of the side of a rock, with a large stone or slab 
for the door, he groaned again. Then he commanded that the stone 
be taken away. 

Now, Lazarus had been dead four days; and when Martha heard 
the words of Jesus, she said, “Lord, by this time he stinketli.” Jesus 
reminded her of the words he had spoken to her such a short time 
before—that if she would believe, she should see the glory of God. 

When the stone had been taken away from the grave, Jesus looked 
up to heaven, and said, “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard 
me.” Then he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” 

And then—what a sight! The dead man bound in his grave 
clothes, and with a napkin over his face, stood before them. Jesus 
said, “Loose him, and let him go.” Those standing around never 
forgot this scene. It was one they would always remember. 

What joy must have filled the hearts of Martha and Mary as they 
received their dear brother back! All their sorrow had vanished, 
and there was no more need of comforting words being spoken to 
them. So their friends left, and went back to Jerusalem. 

Many believed on Jesus because of this great miracle; but some 
hated him still more, and tried to do him harm. 

Those who hated him went as fast as they could to the Pharisees, 
and told them what a great miracle had just been done. 

When these Pharises heard the news, they knew that there was 
no one among them that could do such great miracles as Jesus had 
done. Their hearts were full of fear, lest the people, when they 
heard these wonderful things, would all believe on Jesus. 


190 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Then they gathered together, and held a council to make a plan 
to kill Jesus. They thought that Jesus would really he made their 
king, and that they would lose both their place and nation. 

But one of them, whose name was Caiaphas and who was high 

priest, told them plainly that they knew ‘‘ nothing at all.” He then 



LAZ-A-RUS RAISED FROM THE DEAD. 


4 ‘prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that 
nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children 
of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth, they 
took counsel together for to put him to death.” 

Jesus once more left them, and went to a small town called 
Ephraim, where few people were living. It was near the wilderness. 
Here he stayed for some time. 










FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


191 


Beyond Jordan. 

For some time Jesus and his disciples remained near the wilder¬ 
ness of Ephraim. Then we find that he crossed over the river Jordan 
into the country of Perea. Here Jesus spent some time in teaching 
the people, and in healing many who were afflicted. 

One poor woman had been afflicted for eighteen years. Her body 
was bent over, and she could not straighten herself. 

When Jesus saw this woman, he called her to him and said that 
he would heal her. Then when he had laid his hands upon her, she 
was at once made straight, and she began to praise God for his 
goodness. 

Now, there were Pharisees even in that part of the country, who 
were anxiously looking for something that they could use against 
Jesus; and as this woman had been healed on the Sabbath-day, they 
thought that was a good point. 

The ruler of the synagogue spoke about it first. He said to the 
people, ‘ 4 There are six days in which men ought to work: in them 
therefore come and be healed, and not on the Sabbath-day.’’ 

Jesus asked if there was any one there who would not give 
his cattle a drink on the Sabbath-day, or who thought that this woman 
who had been such a great sufferer for eighteen years ought not to 
have been healed, simply because it was the Sabbath-day? The peo¬ 
ple were ashamed when he had said these things, and they began to 
praise God for his goodness, and for all the glorious things that Jesus 
had done. 

Then Jesus repeated some of his parables concerning the kingdom 
of heaven. And he went from one village to another teaching the 
people. 

In answer to the question of one as to who would be saved and 
enter into the kingdom of heaven, Jesus said, “ Strive to enter in at 
the straight gate: for many will seek to enter in, and shall not be 
able.” And he said that when once the door of the kingdom was 
closed there would never be any other way to enter. Many, he said, 


192 


FAVORITE STORIES 


would try, and would say, “We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, 
and thou hast taught in our streets”; but the Lord would answer them, 
“I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of 
iniquity. ’’ 

Then there would be great sorrow among them; for they could 
see those from the east, from the west, from the north, and from the 
south received into the kingdom of God, but they themselves would 
be shut out forever. 

oi'O^oio 

Journeying Toward Jerusalem. 

Now the time for the great feast of the Passover was near at hand, 
and Jesus once more prepared to return to Jerusalem. 

He knew that this was his last visit to the city he loved so well. 
How full of sadness and pain at this time his heart must have been! 
but he did not hesitate for a moment. 

Even the cruel words of one of the Pharisees which were thrust 
at him did not cause him to turn back; for he knew all that was going 
to take place, and he knew also that God would strengthen him for 
the same. 

When he came in sight of Jerusalem, great sorrow filled his heart; 
and he said: “0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, 
and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have 
gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under 
her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you 
desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the 
time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name 
of the Lord.” 

How true were these words! Jesus had come to them to be their 
king; they would soon reject him; and then there would never be 
any way for them to see him again, unless they could believe that he 
had been sent to them from above. 

How strange it was that the people could not understand! and 
yet when we look about us, we can see the same unbelief to-day. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


193 


Jesus is the same king that he was then; hut ah! how few there are 
who have accepted him, or who believe that he is the Son of God! 

Very many believe that there is a God. This they can not help, 
for they see the many things which God has created. His great and 
wonderful works are seen in everything about them. 

But then, to believe that Jesus was God’s Son is quite another 
thing. They look upon Jesus as an ordinary man, just as the Jews 
did in days of old. This is because their hearts are full of unbelief; 
and if he were here among them, they would no doubt treat him in 
the same manner that the Jews did hundreds of years ago. 

He is coming again. But the next time he comes, he will not 
remain long with us. He is coming to gather those together who do 
believe on him, and then he will take them home to heaven with him. 
There they will see what his kingdom is like, and they will be in it. 


o*o*o*o 

At the Pharisee’s Table. 

Many times Jesus had told his disciples of the way he would have 
to suffer and of his death, but they never understood him. 

They expected he might have to suffer many things, but, still, 
they believed that some time he would set up his kingdom at Jerusalem, 
and they also expected to become great. 

Jesus knew how they felt regarding his kingdom, and for this 
reason he continued to teach them, and gave many lessons from the 
things they saw around them and from their daily lives. 

He sometimes repeated a parable, but nearly always gave them a 
new one, each with deeper meanings, as they were more able to under¬ 
stand them now. 

One day as they were traveling toward Jerusalem for the last 
time, a Pharisee invited them to eat at his table. It seems that this 
Pharisee had prepared a great feast, and had invited many guests 
that they might watch all Jesus’ words and actions. 

While Jesus was at the feast, a man who had the dropsy came to 


13 


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FAVORITE STORIES 


him to be healed. Jesus never turned away any one who was sick, 
or afflicted in any way; hut he knew that the Pharisees were watching 
him, and that it was the Sabbath. 

At other times he had been reproved by them for doing merciful 
acts on the Sabbath-day. So now, before healing this man, Jesus 
turned to the Pharisees, and asked, “ Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath- 
day?” 

As they did not answer, Jesus healed the man, and he went 
away rejoicing. 

He then asked who would stand by and see one of his animals 
fall into a pit, and because it was the Sabbath-day would not help 

it out. 

This was a question they did not like to answer, for they knew 
that they would not in such a case wait until the next day. 

Jesus had noticed that many of the people who came to the 
Pharisee’s feast had tried to get into the best rooms and seats. Then 
he gave them a little lesson on this line to show how wrong it was to 
do this. 

He said: “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit 
not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou 
be bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to 
thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest 
room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest 
room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, 
Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence 
of them that sit at meat with thee.” 

This must have been quite a reproof to those proud Pharisees, 
but it was a good lesson for the disciples as well. 

And Jesus went on to say that when any one prepared a feast 
he ought to invite the poor people who were unable to return the 
invitation, and said that the Lord would bless and reward thorn in 
heaven for such kindness. 

















































































196 FAVORITE STORIES 

The Great Supper. 

While still in the home of the Pharisee, Jesus told the people 
a story about a certain rich man who made a great feast or supper. 
This man invited many of his friends and relatives to the feast; and 
when everything was prepared, he told his servant to go and tell 
the guests that all was ready and that they should come. 

But all the company who had been invited, began to make ex¬ 
cuses. One said, “I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs 
go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.’’ 

Another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to 
prove them: I pray thee have me excused. ’ ’ 

And still another said, “I have married a wife, and therefore 
I can not come.” And so they continued until all had asked to be 
excused. 

When the servant came and told his master what the people had 
said, the master was very angry, and disappointed. He told the 
servant to go out into the streets, and invite the poor people and all 
who were lame and blind. When the servant had done as his master 
said to do, he returned, and said, ‘‘Lord, it is done as thou hast com¬ 
manded, and yet there is room.” 

Again the servant was sent forth, and this time told to bring in 
any of the people he met until the house was filled, but not to allow 
any of those who were first invited to taste of the supper. 

Now, the man who gave the supper meant God, and the supper 
itself, the good news of the gospel. The servant meant those who 
went out to preach to the people, and who tried to get them to live 
good lives and go to heaven as their reward. 

The men who were first invited were the Jews; for the gospel 
was preached to them first, and they would not believe it. 

And the men who were brought into the supper afterward, meant 
the people of other nations who have heard the gospel since that time 
and obeyed it. 

The command to bring them in out of the streets and lanes was 



. iJi' "111! Y/7//. 




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;r.:.'.;::»>ii>)~ 'ii 




THE GREAT SUP-PER. 




































































































































































































































































198 


FAVORITE STORIES 


to show that the poor as well as the rich are invited to come and 
be saved. 

C3>*CZ>>C>X3 

The True Disciple. 

When Jesus had left the home of the Pharisee, he told those 
who were with him what it meant to be true disciples. 

He said they must not love any of their friends more than they 
loved God. They must even be willing to leave their homes and 
friends, and go out among the people and try to get them saved. 

This would, many times, be very hard to do; but they must be 
willing to go, if God asked them to go. 

He called it bearing their cross. He did not tell them then 
about the cross he was going to bear; but they remembered these 
words, and understood them later. 

Jesus wanted them to know that it meant a great deal to be a 
Christian. He compared any one seeking salvation to a man who 
started to build a tower. This man began and laid a nice foundation, 
and told his friends what a beautiful tower he meant to build. But, 
lo, when he had only half finished it, he found it would cost so much 
money that he could not complete it, and he was forced to leave it 
half done. 

Then those who came to see the tower would say, “This man 
began to build, but was not able to finish.” 

How much better it would have been for the man had he care¬ 
fully counted the cost of the building before he began; for he not 
only wasted his time and money, but gave those who wished to mock 
him a chance to do so. 

We see many about us to-day who forget to count the cost. They 
think what a beautiful life they could live as a Christian, and they 
make a start. But ah! they forgot to count the cost. They found 
that they were not willing to do what Jesus asked them to, and that 
they could not bear to give up the pleasures of the world. 

So they went back into the world, only to see their old friends 
smile and say, “This man began to build, but was not able to finish.” 


prom the new testament. 


m 


The Lost Sheep. 

Among the Jews was a class of people who were more hated and 
despised than any others. They were the publicans, or tax-gatherers. 

The Jews were obliged to pay taxes to the Romans, and these 
publicans were men who went about over their country collecting the 
money for the Roman king. 



THE LOST SHEEP. 

Much as the Jews hated the Romans, they hated still more those 
of their own people who went about collecting taxes. 

In some cases, too, these tax-gatherers deserved to be looked 
down upon; for many of them were in the habit of charging more 







200 


FAVORITE STORIES 


than the right amount of tax, and keeping the extra amount for 
themselves. 

For this reason the Jews classed them with a set of people then 
known as “sinners,” and they thought that any one who had respect 
for himself would never have* anything to do with such people. 

But Jesus did not feel so about them. He knew that in every 
condition of life there were some who would be glad to follow him. 
He had even chosen one of these publicans to he his disciple. Matthew 
was his name, and he was one of the Twelve. 

At different times Jesus had eaten with publicans, and for this 
the Pharisees found much fault with him. 

On the way to Jerusalem, as the crowds gathered around Jesus 
to listen to his words, many publicans were among them. The Phar¬ 
isees tried to use this against Jesus, and to have their friends look 
down on him; but Jesus knew their purpose, and again spoke a parable. 

He said: ‘ ‘ What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose 
one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, 
and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath 
found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he 
cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying 
unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was 
lost.” 

And then he explained that God and the angels rejoiced in the 
same manner when one sinner became a Christian. 

The joy in heaven, he said, would be much greater over that 
person who was lost and who had been found than it would be over 
ninety and nine just persons, or those who were living good lives. 

Sinners were the kind of people God sent his dear Son Jesus 
into the world to save. 

0 * 0 * 0*0 

The Lost Piece of Money. 

When Jesus had finished the parable of the lost sheep, he spoke 
another. This one was about a woman that had ten pieces of silver. 



THE LOST PIECE OF MONEY 


201 


















































































































































































































































































































































































202 


FAVORITE STORIES 


One day the woman lost one of the pieces, and it worried her 
very much. 

She at once left her work, and lighting a candle, she went to see 
if she could find it. 

Each room was carefully swept, and every piece of furniture 
moved, and at last she found it. Oh, how glad she was! 

As soon as possible she called her friends, and told them that 
she had found that which had been lost, and asked them to rejoice 
with her, for she was so happy. 

By this parable Jesus meant that God loved every one; but that 
those who were the deepest in sin and lost would be sought most 
carefully, and that when found, there would be great rejoicing in 
heaven. 

God is good! His tender mercy 
Is bestowed on all mankind: 

E’en the lowest, vilest sinner 

May be cleansed, and pardon find; 

May have all his wicked actions 
Swept forever from his view, 

And with Jesns, his dear Savior, 

Live a life most pure and true. 

All the angels up in heaven, 

Robed in garments pure and wTiite, 

Will rejoice and praise Jehovah, 

When beholding such a sight; 

And how glad will be the Savior, 

Who with heart so full of love, 

Left his home, fulfilled his mission, 

That he might God’s great love prove. 

Oh, the thanks converted sinners 
Ought their God each day to give, 

That he showed them grace and favor, 

And permitted them to live! 


EROM THE NE W TESTAMENT. 


203 


Dear one, if you’re still a sinner, 

Don’t delay, no longer wait; 

'rime is speeding—heed the warning— 

Soon, ah soon! ’twill be too late. 

c>*cz>:<d*cd 

The Foolish Young Man. 

The heart of Jesus still ached for the poor lost sheep of Israel. 

As he looked about him and saw these poor sinful people, he longed 
to show them their great need of a Savior, and how much God loved 
them, even though they were poor outcasts among their own people. 

And he wanted to assure them that if they would repent of their 
sins, God would be willing to forgive them, and would receive them 
into his kingdom. 

Jesus loved to teach in parables, and many lessons he taught the 
people in this way. 

Now that he might make his meaning very plain, he told them a 
parable of a certain man who had two sons. 

One of them was very obedient; that is, he did everything he 
thought his father would wish him to do. And he loved his home 
very much, and each day did all he could to make it more beautiful. 

As his father had plenty of everything and gave him the privilege 
to enjoy all things as if they had been his own, the life of this young 
man was very happy. 

But it was not so with the other son. He was wliat we would 
call “a wild young man.” All his desire was to have a good time, 
no matter how much it cost. He did not care for his home, nor for 
the life that he led there. 

So one day he went to his father, and said, “ Father, give me 
the portion of goods that falleth to me.” 

No doubt his father was grieved when he heard his son say this, 
but he divided all that he had between his two sons. 

Not very long after that the younger son gathered together all 


204 


FAVORITE STORIES 


that belonged to him, and went a long way from home, and led a 
gay life. Little did he think of or care for the future. 

As long as his money lasted, he had many friends that were 
glad to he with him, and to help him enjoy the pleasures of life. 
Together they feasted, drank wine, and spent much money. 

But at last there came a day when the money was all gone. The 
foolish hoy had spent every penny. 



THE WAYWARD SON. 

Then, to make matters still worse, a great famine arose in the 
land. Nothing would grow, and the people all around were seeking 
for something to eat, that they might not perish, or die from hunger. 

Then the friends of the young man left him, as such friends 
always do when there is no more money for them to use. 

Had he been careful of the portion his father gave him, he would 







FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT . 


205 


now have needed every penny. But he had nothing to eat, and he 
was in great want. 

Then he went and hired himself out to a man in that land who 
kept swine. This man told him to go out into the field and take 
care of the swine. 

What a fall this was to the proud young boy who had never known 
any hardships or trouble! Day after day, alone, hungry, and dis¬ 
gusted with himself, he sat in the fields caring for the swine. No 
companions were with him, except these dirty beasts. 

At last he became so hungry that he would have been glad even 
to eat the food which was thrown to the swine, but he did not even 
have the privilege of doing this. 


CH'C^OS'O 

The ProdigaPs Return. 

But God caused that the young man’s sorrow should turn out 
for his good. He now had time to stop and think. All his sinful 
life arose before him, and he could now see how very foolish he 
had been. 

He saw that all the sinful pleasures which he had tried*so hard 
to enjoy had only brought him sorrow and pain. 

Then his thoughts began to go back to the home that he had left, 
and to the kind father who had so tenderly watched over him in his 
youth. And as he thought on, he knew that even the servants in 
his father’s house were better off than lie was now, even though he 
was a son. 

He said, “How many hired servants of my father’s have bread 
enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! ’ ’ 

When he remembered how lovingly his father had always treated 
him, he thought that if he would return home, and tell him how 
wicked a life he had lived and that he was very sorry, perhaps his father 
would forgive him. 

And he thought, “If my father will only take me back, I will gladly 


206 


FAVORITE STORIES 


take the place of a servant.’’ He did not wait any longer, but lie 
rose and went home. 

How sad his poor father must have been all this time! No loving 
letters had been written by this wayward son, and the father knew 
from the past that his son was wasting all the money he had been 
given. But he loved him, and longed to see him again. 

One day as he was looking in the direction that his son had 
gone, he saw him coming. Oh, how glad the father was! 

Poverty had made a great change; but the father knew his son, 
and ran to meet him. Ragged and dirty as he was, his father threw 
his arms about him and kissed him. 

Then the son began to confess his sins. He said, “Father, 1 
have sinned against heaven and in thy sight, and am no more worthy 
to be called thy son.” But his father would not let him go any 
farther, for he saw that his son was sorry for all his evil life. 

He told his servants to bring out the best garments they had in 
the house and put them on his son, and to hasten and prepare food 
for him to eat. 

C3>*OK3>*CD 

The Brothers Jealousy. 

All fathers are not so good and kind as was the father of this 
wayward son you have been reading about. Some would have said, 
“I will wait and see whether you really mean what you say and are 
sorry.” While others would have turned away from a son who had 
brought, such shame and disgrace upon the family. 

But Jesus wanted to show the great and loving kindness of his 
heavenly Father. 

Then Jesus went on to say that the father of the wayward boy 
had a great feast prepared, and invited their friends to it, that they 
might rejoice because his son bad returned. He even ordered the 
servants to kill and prepare the fatted calf for the feast. 

Now, the elder brother was in the field, and he did not know of 
his brother’s return. As he came near the house, he heard the music 



207 
































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































208 


FAVORITE STORIES 


and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what 
it meant. 

The servant answered, “Thy brother ia come; and thy father 
hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received his son safe and 
sound.’’ 

When the brother heard this, he became very angry, and would 
not go in. When his father heard that his elder son was outside, 
he went and begged him to go in. He told him that it was right they 
should be glad the prodigal son had come back again, and that it 
was right they should rejoice over him; for he had been as one dead, 
and he was now alive again; he had been lost, and now he was found. 

But the elder brother could not feel that way about it. In the 
first place, he did not have a forgiving spirit, and now jealousy had 
so filled his heart that he believed himself greatly wronged. 

He told his father that he had been with him many years, and 
had been faithful in everything; and that yet he had never been given 
even one little kid that he might make a feast and invite his friends; 
but that just as soon as the son returned who went away and wasted 
with bad companions all he had, the best calf they had on the place 
was killed. 

The father was very sorry when he heard his son speak thus. 
He reproved him by saying, “Son, thou art ever with me, and all 
that I have is thine.” 

The parable was very plain. Jesus wanted to show the Pharisees 
how wrong it was for them to object to the publicans and sinners 
having the chance to receive forgiveness of their sins. He also wanted 
to show them how jealous and wicked their hearts were, and how much 
they themselves were in need of pardon and forgiveness. 

God is love, and he wants all to come to him and enjoy the good 
things he has in store for them. But they must all receive it in God’s 
own way. 

There is not a man or child in all the world who is so had that 
God will not forgive him, and receive him hack as his own son, if 
he will only he sorry for the wrong he has done, md will try to 

do better. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


209 


God will hear the prayers of such* people, and will bless them when 
they pray, and will help them through temptations. 

o*o*o*o 

The Unjust Steward. 

Another parable that Jesus spoke was about a certain rich man. 
This man did not care to look after his own affairs; so he hired a 
steward, or man to look after them for him. 

All went well for a time; hut one day some one came and told 
the rich man that the steward was wasting his goods. 

The master at once began to inquire into the matter, and soon 
found that the report was true. He called the steward, and asked 
him what he meant by such dealings; but the steward could only 
confess his wrong. 

His master was very angry with him, and said he could be no 
longer steward. 

When the steward saw that he was really removed from being 
steward, and that he could no longer live in the home of his master, 
he wondered what he could do to save himself from starvation. He 
said to himself: ‘‘What shall I do! I can not dig: to beg I am 
ashamed.’’ At last he thought of a plan. 

He decided to go to his master’s debtors that had been unable 
to pay their full accounts, and to get what each one could pay. Then 
he would cancel the rest of each bill. 

In this way he would make to himself friends of his master’s 
debtors, so that when he should lose his stewardship they would 
receive him. 

So he called to see each one, and asked how much they were owing 
his master. The first one said, “A hundred measures of oil.” The 
steward told him to sit down quickly and write fifty. 

He then asked another, “How much owest thou!” and he was 
told a hundred measures of wheat. The steward said he might write 
sixty; and so he went around among them all. 

14 


210 


FAVORITE STORIES 


When his former master heard what had been done, he praised 
the steward for his wisdom. 

Now, Jesns wished to show the people that they were all debtors 
to God, and also that they were stewards placed over the things 
belonging to God. 

By the master’s praising the unjust steward, Jesus did not mean 
that the man was pleased because his goods were wasted, but that he 
praised him for wisely looking out for himself. 

This is just what Jesus meant that the people must do; that is, 
look out for themselves, and see that they have a place to stay in 
the future, when they can not dig and to beg would be of no service 
to them. That time is after death. 

The Rich Man and the Beggar. 

Because of the parable of the unjust steward, the Pharisees found 
much fault with Jesus. For Jesus had said, “Ye can not serve God 
and mammon: for a man will either hate the one, and love the other; 
or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” 

Now, the Pharisees, although they tried to appear as if they 
loved God very dearly, were very covetous; that is, they were greedy, 
and wanted to become great and rich. 

Instead of going and putting the Lord’s money to a good work, 
they tried to justify themselves. But Jesus told them plainly that 
God knew their hearts, and that that which was highly esteemed 
among them was an abomination before God. 

Then Jesus told them the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. 
This was not Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, but was a 
poor beggar. 

Jesus said there was a man who was very rich. He was clothed 
in beautiful clothes, made of the finest linen, and each day he had 
the choicest of food to eat. 

And there was also a beggar whose name was Lazarus. This 



THE UNJUST STEWARD 


211 











































































































































































































































































































































































212 


FAVORITE STORIES 


poor man was all covered with sores, and was not able to do any¬ 
thing to support himself. But he thought that if he could only have 
some of the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table, he would be 
so thankful; so he had his friends carry him to the rich man’s gate. 

Here he lay, with the hope that the rich man would see him, 
and would give him something to eat; but in this he was disappointed. 

The rich man never acted as if he saw him. But the dogs were 
his companions, and we read that they came and licked his sores 
as he sat at the gate. 

At last the beggar’s sufferings were ended by death’s coming to 
his relief. And the angels carried him to Abraham’s bosom. There 
was very little display at his funeral; for he was nothing but a poor 
beggar, and he filled only a pauper’s grave. Jesus did not even 
mention his funeral, but we know that the world would not make much 
ado over the death of one they thought so little of. But God loved 
him, and he had a soul just as well as the rich man. 

We can imagine we see the pleasure of the rich man when he 
realized that the poor despised beggar was dead, and so would trouble 
him no more by sitting at his gate; for it certainly was not a very 
pleasant sight to him. 

After a while the rich man also died; and he had a grand costly 
funeral, for Jesus said he was buried. No doubt many friends mourped 
for him, and did all they could to show their respect. 

But Jesus went on to say that instead of this man’s being carried 
by the angels to Abraham’s bosom as the beggar was, he found him¬ 
self in terrible torments. As he lifted up his eyes, he saw Abraham 
afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 4 4 Father 
Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip 
the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented 
in this flame. 

4 4 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime re- 
ceivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now 
he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all this, be¬ 
tween us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would 



THE RICH MAN AND THE BEGGAR, 


213 








































































































































































































































214 


FAVORITE STORIES 


pass from hence to you can not; neither can they pass to us that 
would come from thence.” 

When the rich man saw that there was no chance for him to 
escape the punishment for his sins, he asked Abraham to send Lazarus 
back to his father’s home to warn his brethren, and to tell them what 
awful trouble he was in. For he said that he had five brethren who 
were living as carelessly as he had lived, but that if they could know 
what he was suffering, perhaps they would repent, and not come to 
that terrible place of torment. 

Abraham answered that they had the words of Moses and the 
prophets, which were enough. The rich man replied, 4 4 Nay, father 
Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither 
will they be persuaded though one xose from the dead.” 

In this way the Pharisees were again reproved, and made to see 
their standing in God’s sight; but, as in the parable, it only hardened 
their hearts. 

o*o*:o:*o 


How the Kingdom of God will Come. 

The Pharisees had been hearing so much about the kingdom of 
God that at last they asked when it would come. Jesus answered, 
44 The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall 
they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is 
within you.” 

Jesus meant that the kingdom of God was not something which 
they could see or point out to their friends, and say, 4 4 This is the 
place where our king sits on his throne.” No, indeed! 

Jesus wanted them to understand that the kingdom of God was in 
heaven. There God sits upon a throne, and rules his people with a 
law of love. Those dwelling in this kingdom are any and all who 
love and obey his commands. Jesus was going to return to heaven 
when he had finished his work upon the earth. After that he would 


FROM THE NE W TESTAMENT. 


215 


be teacher and guide to his people, and God would turn the kingdom 
over to the care of his Son. 

Then turning to his disciples, Jesus told them that great suffering 
would come upon them all, hut that they must be prepared for it, and 
not be frightened or discouraged when it came; for he would have 
to die, that God’s plan to save mankind from sin might be fulfilled. 

And then Jesus spoke of the way he was going to come for his 
people at the end of the world; for he was coming for them, and 
would take all his people up to heaven with him. Every one, he said, 
must be ready for that time because no one knew just when it would 
be, except God, and there would be no time to prepare after he came. 
They must live so pure and holy that they would be ready to receive 
him at any time. 

Many warnings, he told them, would be sent out among the peo¬ 
ple; but they would all be sent before that time. His appearing 
would be as unexpected as the lightning which flashes in the sky. 

However, Jesus said, it would be as it was in the days of Noah- 
many would hear about his coming, but they would be careless, and 
would pay no attention to the warnings they had heard. They would 
think they had plenty of time, as the people did then; but as the 
flood came and destroyed all but a few souls, just so Jesus would 
come again, and gather those who were ready and waiting for him. 

He also said that he might come in the night when the people 
were asleep. Two men might be sleeping side by side in one bed. 
One would be expecting him, and would have been living a good 
life; but the other would be wicked. Jesus would take the good man, 
but would leave the bad one. 

And he said: “Two women shall be grinding together; the one 
shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; 
the one shall be taken, and the other left.” 

These words were spoken that they might understand how neces¬ 
sary it was to live pure and holy lives, in order that their hearts be 
fit places to set up his kingdom. Also, that they might know how 
uncertain life is, and that the end of the world is coming. 


216 FAVORITE STORIES 

The Widow and the Unjust Judge. 

Anothek parable was spoken by Jesns to show the people how 
they ought to live and the great necessity of prayer. 

He said, ‘ ‘ There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, 
neither regarded man.” There were many judges of this kind in 
those days and are still, who do not fear God, nor care for the real 
welfare of those who come to them for help. They were glad to 
help the rich who paid them much money, but the poor were left to 
suffer. 

Now, in this same city where the unjust judge lived, was also a 
widow. This widow had an enemy that was causing her much trouble; 
and she came to the judge very often, begging him to punish her 
enemy. But the widow was poor and had no money, and he did not 
care to be bothered with her case. 

But day after day the widow came asking him to help her. The 
judge would have been glad to have her leave his house and go away, 
but this he saw she w r ould not do. 

So one day he said within himself, “Though I fear not God, nor 
regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, 
lest by her continual coming she weary me.” 

Hear what the unjust judge said. He was doing what the woman 
asked him to do only that he might stop her coming. But Jesus 
had a much deeper meaning to bring out of this parable. 

If this man, who was unjust, and who had no mercy or pity in 
his heart, could be moved by the widow’s coming to him so often, how 
much more will God, who is so good and merciful, give to his children 
what they ask him for. 

Jesus said, “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.” So, 
children, if you go to God in prayer, and ask him for anything, do 
not think that because he sometimes makes you wait he will not 
grant your request; for he will. 

Sometimes he sees that it is for our good to wait for an answer 
to our prayers; but if we are in real earnest, as was the widow, he 
will answer. 


FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


217 



The Two Men in the Temple. 

44 Two men, ,, Jesus said, “went up into the temple to pray; the 
one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. ” 

The lives of these two men had been very different in the sight 
of the world. 


THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN. 

The Pharisee, on the one hand, had lived a good life; that is, had 
not done the things that their law commanded them not to do. Yet 
within his heart were many desires to do the things the law condemned. 

The publican, on the other hand, had broken the law many times; 
and he knew that he had done wrong, and that he was a great sinner. 
Now, these men had gone to the temple for the same purpose— 






FAVORITE STORIES 


218 

to pray to God. When the Pharisee began, he looked over at the 
publican, and began his prayer something like this: “God, I thank 
thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, 
or even as this publican.” 

Then he told what he did. He said, “I fast twice in the week, 
I give tithes of all that I possess,” etc. 

But the publican knew how wicked he had been, and oh, how 
sorry he was! He would not even lift his eyes up toward heaven; 
but he beat upon his breast, saying, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” 

Which of these prayers do you think pleased God most! It was 
the prayer of the one who felt that he was a sinner in God’s sight, 
and who was sorry for his sins, 

'Jesus said, “I tell you, this man [the publican] went down to 
his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth 
himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” 

o*c>>o*o 

Jesus Blesses Little Children. 

The people brought little children to Jesus, that he might put 
his hands on them and bless them. 

For some reason, the disciples did not think this was the proper 
thing to do, and they found fault with the mothers for bringing their 
children. Perhaps it was because Jesus was very tired and they felt 
that he needed rest. 

The disciples would have sent the dear little children all away; 
but when Jesus saw what they were doing, he was much displeased 
and reproved them. 

And Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and 
forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Oh, what 
sweet words these were! and how happy the dear mothers of these 
children must have been! 

Some of the children may have been very ragged and dirty, for 
many are in those Eastern countries; but Jesus loved them all the 




































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































220 


FAVORITE STORIES 


same, and he would not turn any away before he had put his hands 
upon them and blessed them. 

Jesus certainly must have loved little children dearly. He knew 
that they would soon grow to he men and women, and that the lessons 
taught them in their childhood would always be remembered. Then, 
too, when the older people died, the children would have to take their 
places, and become the disciples of Jesus. 

When Jesus said, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven," he meant 
that every one who was in that kingdom must have a heart as pure 
and innocent as a little child's; that if one's heart were not pure, one 
could in no wise enter heaven. 

How happy you ought to he, children, that Jesus used you as 
an example of those who are to reign with him above in his kingdom! 

<o*:<d*c>:<d 

The Rich Young Man. 

One time a rich young man came to Jesus, and said, “Good 
Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus 
asked why he had called him good; for none, he said, were really 
good except God. 

Jesus then told the young man that if he wished to enter heaven 
he should keep the commandments. The young man said that he 
had done this from his youth up. 

When Jesus saw what a noble young man he was, and what a 
good life he had always led, he loved him. But one thing was lacking— 
the young man loved his riches. 

Jesus saw this, and told the young man to go and sell all his 
possessions and give to the poor. In this way the young man would 
be laying up treasures in heaven. Then Jesus told him to take up 
his cross, and become his disciple. 

This was not the advice that the young man was expecting to 
hear, and it made him sorrowful. He was not willing to give to 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


221 


the poor, although he had so much money, and he went away with 
a very sad heart. 

When he had gone away, Jesus turned to his disciples, and said: 
“How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of 
God! It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for 
a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 

When the disciples heard this, they were astonished, and said, 
“Who then can be saved!” Jesus was expecting them to say this, and 
tenderly looking at them, he said, “With men it is impossible, but 
not with God: for with God all things are possible.” 

Peter said to Jesus, “Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed 
thee; what shall we have therefore!” Jesus answered that all who 
had given up friends and homes for his sake would receive a hundred¬ 
fold more in this life, and would inherit life everlasting. 

C3>*>C>frC>XZ> 

The Parable of the Laborers. 

Again Jesus spoke a parable to represent what the kingdom of 
heaven was like, for it seemed so very hard for them to understand 
just what it was. 

He said that the kingdom of heaven was like a man who owned 
a large vineyard. 

A vineyard is a place were grapes are grown, and there were 
many grapes raised in that part of the country; and as Jesus was 
always drawing lessons from the things around him, he this time 
used the vineyard as an example. 

Jesus said that when the owner of this vineyard saw that the 
grapes were ripe, he also saw that he would need help in picking 
them. So he went out very early in the morning to hire laborers 
for his vineyard. He told all the laborers that he would pay them 
a penny a day for their work; and they went into the vineyard, and 
began at once to pick the grapes. 

About nine o’clock he went out again, and saw some standing 


222 


FAVORITE STORIES 


idle; and he told them to go into his vineyard, and he would pay 
them for their work. 

Again he went out, about mid-day and about three o’clock, and 
hired more help. 

And about five o’clock he went out, and found some standing idle; 
and he asked them why they had been idle all the day. They answered, 
“Because no man hath hired us.” 

The man told them that if they would go and work in the vine¬ 
yard, he would pay them what was right. 

When evening came, the man called his steward, and told him 
to go and pay all the laborers for their work in his vineyard, beginning 
with those whom he had hired last. 

The steward did as lie was told, and paid each man a penny. 
When those who had been hired very early in the morning saw the 
others receiving a penny each, they supposed that they would receive 
more when the steward came to them, but no—each man received 
a penny. 

Those who had worked so long and hard were not satisfied when 
they saw this, and they went to the owner of the vineyard, and said, 
“These last have wrought hut one hour, and thou hast made them equal 
with us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. 

“But he answered one of them, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst 
not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy 
way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful 
for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil because 
I am good?” 

This parable taught the people that there was much work for 
God’s people to do. The rich man represented God; his vineyard, the 
world; and the fruit in the vineyard, the souls of men. The laborers 
were the disciples and ministers of Christ. 

The time of day that they were hired represents the time of life 
when a person hears the voice of God calling him to come and give 
his heart to him. And their wages are the reward God has for every 
one of his children. 



THE LABOURERS IN THE VINEYARD 


223 




















































































































































































































































































224 


FAVORITE STORIES 


God pays all his children alike, whether they were hired or called 
in the morning or late in the day of their lives. 

ok>^o^o 

Solemn Thoughts. 

One day, while on their way to Jerusalem, Jesus took his dis¬ 
ciples away from the crowds that were following them, and told them 
for the third time about his coming death and resurrection. 

As Jesus told them how he was going to have to suffer, great fear 
came upon them. They loved Jesus so dearly, and the thought of his 
sufferings made them afraid. 

Jesus told them that he would be delivered up to the chief priests, 
who would say that he was worthy of death. 

Then he told them that the Gentiles would mock him, and scourge 
him, and even put him to death; but that the third day after he was 
crucified, he would rise again. And he would go up into heaven, 
he said, where he would prepare his kingdom for all the good people 
on the earth. 

The disciples had never understood the deep meaning of the words 
of Jesus. Neither did they understand him now. 

Two of the disciples, James and John, talked the matter over 
with their mother. 

Like most mothers, their mother felt that she should like to see 
her two sons well favored in the kingdom of God; and not understand¬ 
ing the depth of its meaning, she went with them to Jesus, and asked 
him to grant a certain request. 

Jesus asked what her request was; and she answered, “Grant 
that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the 
other on the left, in thy kingdom.” 

Jesus told her plainly that she did not know how great a request 
she had asked. Then turning to the two sons, he asked, “Are ye 
able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with 
the baptism that I am baptized with!” They answered, “We are”— 



15 

























































































































































































226 


FAVORITE STORIES 


but oh, bow little they knew of what was to come upon Jesus! 

Jesus told them that they should indeed drink of the cup that he 
was going to drink of, which meant the cup of sorrow and persecution; 
but that to seat the one on his right hand and the other on his left, 
he had no right to do. God, he told them, would give that place to 
those for whom he had prepared it. 

When the other ten disciples heard of the request, they talked 
about James and John, and thought they should have known better 
than to ask such a thing. Then, too, Jesus had told them that those 
desiring to be first were very likely to be last. 

Jesus was displeased when he heard what the other ten had said 
about James and John; so he once more called them all to him, and 
explained matters more clearly. 

He said that in worldly matters it was the custom to look up to 
princes and kings, and to do them as great honor as possible, but 
that it was not so in spiritual things. 

If any, they were told, would be great in the kingdom of heaven, 
he should be minister or servant of all the others. Then he said, 
‘ 1 Even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, 
and to give his life a ransom for many.” 

0 > 0 > 0*0 

The City of Jericho. 

They did not have much time to spare, as. the time for the feast 
of the Passover was near at hand. The river Jordan had been 
crossed, and they were near the city of Jericho. 

There had been a large and beautiful city by the name of Jericho 
destroyed shortly after the children of Israel had entered the land of 
Canaan. At fhat time a curse was pronounced upon the one who in 
after years might rebuild that city. Josh. 6: 26. 

This was not undertaken until many years had passed by; but 
in 1 Kings 16: 34 we read of a man by the name of Hiel, who did re¬ 
build Jericho. 


FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


227 


Years afterward, under the Romans, Jericho became a place of 
importance, and it was full of costly treasures. 

In the days of Elisha the water was very had; and the people came 
to the old prophet, and asked him to heal the waters. 2 Kings 2: 19-22. 

Elisha had them bring him some salt. This he took and put into 
the spring that was near the city; and God healed the water, and made 
it good for the people to drink. This sj3ring may still be seen near 
Jericho, and it is called the “Ain es Sul tan.’ ’ 

Jericho was not far from the place where John the Baptist bap¬ 
tized Jesus, and it was right on his way from Perea to Jerusalem. 
At different times he had visited the place; and the people had become 
acquainted with him, and they knew of his great power to heal. 

The scene must have been a beautiful one, as Jesus came near 
the city. Many different kinds of beautiful trees grew near the spring 
Ain es Sultan, and the gardens and fields were so fair and sweet. 

But there was a sight that made him feel very sad. There before him 
sat a poor man who was blind, and who got his living from the people 
by begging of them as they passed by. 

^ 2 > 


Blind Bartimeus. 

The blind man near Jericho did not see Jesus, for he was not able 
to see any one; but he heard the great noise of the people passing, 
and he wondered what it meant. Some one told him that it was 
Jesus of Nazareth passing by. 

Oh, what joyful news that was to the poor man! He had heard 
of Jesus and of his power to heal, and he believed that he would 
heal him. He began to cry very loud, and said, “Jesus, thou son of 
David, have mercy on me.” 

When Jesus heard the cry, he stood still, and commanded that the 
man be brought near him; and some of the multitude went at once 
to bring him. They told the man that Jesus had sent for him, and 
said to be of good comfort, for he would help him. 


228 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The poor man was in such haste to go to Jesus that he rose at 
once, and cast aside his outer garment, that it might not hinder him. 

When Jesus saw him, he said, “What wilt thou that I should do 
unto you?” The blind man answered, “Lord, that I might receive 
my sight.” 

Jesus said, “Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.” Then 
he touched the eyes of the blind man, who was instantly healed. 

The man’s heart was full of joy and praise to the one who had 
done such a great work for him, and he followed on with the crowd 
that was with Jesus. 

o*o*o*o 

The Man in a Tree. 

Soon after the blind man’s healing, Jesus entered Jericho. Now 
there was living in this city a man by the name of Zaccheus. This 
man was a publican, or tax-gatherer, and he had become very rich. 
Much of his money may have been gained by being dishonest and 
taking more money from the people than he had any right to take. 
But, however that may have been, many knew that he was a publican, 
and he was hated by the Pharisees. Jesus knew all about him, too. 

Now, Zaccheus was a very small man; but he had heard about 
Jesus, and had a great desire to see him. Knowing that he could 
not see above the heads of the people as they passed by him, he 
climbed up into a sycamore-tree. Here he could see Jesus, of whom 
the people were telling such wonderful things. 

Safely hiding in the tree, not thinking of a kind word or look from 
the Savior, was this little man. How great must have been his sur¬ 
prise to see Jesus; as he passed beneath the sycamore-tree, look up 
at him, and then to hear him say, “Zaccheus, make haste, and come 
down; for to-day I must abide at thy house. ’ ’ 

There was no delay or questions asked. Zaccheus came down as 
soon as possible, and took Jesus home with him. He could not tell 
why Jesus had honored him this way, but great joy filled his heart 
on account of it. 



“ZACCHEUS, COME DOWN.” 


229 






























































































































































































230 


FAVORITE STORIES 


When the people saw that Jesus had gone to the publican’s house, 
they found fault with him and said, 4 4 He has gone to be guest with 
a man that is a sinner.” But they had spoken against him in this 
way many times before. 

Zaccheus was very glad to have Jesus with him in his home, and 
he at once began to talk in such a way that Jesus could see he was 
very anxious to do what was right. He said, “Behold, Lord, the 
half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from 
any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” 

Jesus was pleased with the way Zaccheus talked; for he saw that 
the poor publican, who was so looked down upon, really wanted to 
live right. Not only was he willing to give much to the poor around 
him, but he wanted to make his wrongs right. And Jesus said unto 
him, “This day is salvation come to this house.” 

How unlike the young ruler who came to Jesus to learn how he 
might inherit eternal life! He had not been willing to give up his 
riches, and he had gone away sorrowful. But Zaccheus gave up his 
goods of his own free-will. And Jesus made him an heir to heavenly 
possessions. 

o*o:o*cd 

Parable of the Ten Pounds. 

After the visit with Zaccheus, Jesus continued his journey; and 
another blind man was healed before he left Jericho. 

Then he spoke a parable about a nobleman that had become heir 
to a kingdom; but he was obliged to go a long way from his home to 
gain possession of it. For this reason he had to leave his home 
property in the care of servants. 

He, therefore, gave to each of his ten servants money to use while 
he was away. He gave each of them one pound, and said, “Trade 
ye herewith till I come.” 

Some of these servants did not like the nobleman, and they de¬ 
cided, after he had gone, that they would do just as they pleased. 

Many days passed by, but at last the nobleman returned. He 



the parable of the talents 


231 







































































































































































































232 FAVORITE STORIES 

had been successful in getting the kingdom, and he was very rich. No 
doubt he had a nice reward or present for each of his servants; but 
most of all, he wanted to know how they had used the money he had 
given them. 

He commanded them all to come into his presence. The first 
servant said, 4 ‘Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.” The master 
was glad when he heard this, and he said, “Well, thou good servant: 
because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority 
over ten cities.” The second servant had not done so well, yet his 
pound had gained five pounds; and the master made him ruler over 
five cities. 

But when the third servant came, he said, “Lord, behold, here 
is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: for I feared thee, 
because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layest 
not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.” 

How surprised his master was at the words of this servant! He 
could see how they had been talking about him in his absence. “And 
he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou 
wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up 
that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: wherefore then 
gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might 
have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that 
stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath 
ten pounds.” 

The other servants were surprised when they heard their master’s 
command to give the pound to the one who had ten pounds; but he 
said: “Unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that 
hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those 
mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring 
hither, and slay them before me.” 

The meaning of this parable is very plain. God is preparing a 
kingdom for his people. Jesus is the nobleman, and he has given his 
servants money or talents to use. If they will not use them, he will 
take their talent, and give it to some one who will. 


FtiOM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


m 

Let us be very sure we are using our talents, and not laying 
them aside in a napkin. 

C3*C>:<I>K3> 

Six Days before the Passover. 

T^he feast of the Passover had not yet been held. It was six 
days before the time set to hold it, and Jesns went once more to visit 
the home of Martha. 

How glad they must have been to again see Jesus! They loved 
Jesus, not only because they believed he was God’s Son, but because 
he had called their brother back from the grave. And they wanted 
to show him their love in every way they could. 

A man named Simon, who was once a leper, but who had been 
healed, invited Jesus to come to his home. This man prepared a nice 
supper, and invited to come to his house at that time many guests 
who were anxious to see Jesus. 

Perhaps the feast was prepared at Simon’s house because there 
was more room than at Martha’s house; but Martha waited upon the 
guests herself, and Lazarus was there with them. 

Many of the people came not for Jesus’ sake only, but also that 
they might see Lazarus. When the Pharisees saw this, they thought 
it would be best to kill Lazarus, as well as Jesus, for many were be¬ 
lieving on Jesus because of him. 

While Jesus was eating, Mary, who was always anxious to show 
her love, came quietly up to him, and taking a box of very costly 
ointment, she poured it on his head and feet. And then, stooping 
down, she wiped his feet with her hair. The house was at once filled 
with the rich perfume, and all present realized what she had done. 

One of the disciples, whose name was Judas Iscariot, did not think 
it was proper and right for Mary to do this. He considered it a 
great waste of money on Mary’s part, but he did not understand. 

Then another thing, Judas did not have true love for Jesus; in 
his heart he hated him. Now, Judas carried the bag which contained 
the money that was given to the disciples. Judas, having all the care 


m 


FAVORITE STORIES 


of this bap:, often took money from it for himself that he ought not 
to take and thus became a thief, and he was anxious to see much 
money go into the bag. 

He did not care for the poor; but he said, “Why was not this 
ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” # 

Mary had not meant to be extravagant or wasteful, and she did 
not mean to neglect the poor; but she wanted to show her love for 
the Savior by anointing him. 

When Jesus heard the words of Judas, he was grieved; for he 
knew the thoughts that were in this wicked man’s heart. Then he 
said: “Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good 
work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whenso¬ 
ever ve will, ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 

“She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint 
my body to the burying.” 

And then Jesus said that wherever the gospel should be preached 
in after-years, this kind act of Mary’s would be told as a memorial 
of her. 

CZ>>C>>CI>XZ> 

Jesus Rides upon a Young Colt. 

New the time had come for which they had so long been looking. 
Hundreds of years before this God had said that Jesus, the King of 
the Jews, should come one day to Jerusalem riding on a young colt. 

Jesus knew the time had come, so he sent two of his disciples to 
a village that was quite close. There, Jesus said, they would find, 
tied beside its mother, a colt upon which no man had ever ridden. 

This colt he told his disciples to bring to him. And he said that 
if any man found fault with them, or asked why they were taking the 
colt, they should say, “Because the Lord hath need of him.” 

You may be sure the two disciples went as fast as they could, as 
they had been hoping and longing for this time to come; for they still 
believed that Jesus would some day take his place upon the throne in 



MARY ANOINTING THE FEET OF JESUS. 



































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































236 FAVORITE STORIES 

Jerusalem. In the village, just where Jesus had told them to iook, 
they found the young colt and its mother tied. 

Just as they were untying the colt, some one asked what they 
were going to do with the colt; but when the disciples said, “The 
Lord hath need of him,” he said no more, but let them go. 

Then they brought the colt to Jesus; and when they had spread 


JESUS RIDING ON THE COLT. 

some of their outside garments over its back, Jesus sat upon it. 

And many of the people in the great crowd that was following, 
took off their long, loose outer garments that were worn in those days, 
and spread them upon the ground for Jesus to ride over. 

Sometimes they do this now in Eastern countries, to show their 
respect for any one. 









JESUS ENTERING JERUSALEM 


237 



































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































238 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Others of the people cut branches off the trees, and laid them 
in the way, and then sang beautiful songs. These are some of the 
words: “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he that cometh 
in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” 

The Pharisees did not enjoy the singing, and the words were any¬ 
thing but pleasant to them. Some even'asked Jesus to have his dis¬ 
ciples keep quiet; but Jesus answered that if they should keep quiet, 
the very stones around them would cry cut. 

As the crowds moved along, they talked about the way Lazarus 
had been raised from the dead. 

It was hearing about this that had excited them so much, and had 
made so many come out to meet Jesus. And now they would soon 
enter the beautiful city. 

c>>o*o*o 

Entering Jerusalem. 

They were now very close to Jerusalem. As they came to a 
certain part of the Mount of Olives, they could see the beautiful city. 
There stood the wonderful temple straight before them. 

As Jesus looked, such sorrow filled his heart that he wept. He 
could see the great and bitter scene which was before him—that one 
of his disciples would turn away from him, and go to his enemies, 
who would pay a few pieces of money to get that disciple to betray 
his Master; and then he could see how these enemies would finally 
crucify his own body. 

But Jesus did not weep for himself. He wept for the Jews be¬ 
cause they loved their sins, and hated their Savior. Jesus knew 
how God would punish them, and how their beautiful city would he 
destroyed in a few years by the Romans, who would burn the temple, 
and kill many of the people. This was surely enough to cause Jesus 
to weep. 

He had taught them so long, and worked so many miracles among 
them, and still they did not trust him. He would have been glad to 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


239 


protect them against all the harm and danger that he saw was ahead of 
them; but they would not let him. 

Then Jesus entered Jerusalem, still riding upon the colt. 

When he came to the temple, he went inside and remained until 
evening. Then he took his disciples, and returned to Bethany. 

osoio*:o 

A Lesson on Faith. 

The following morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he 
was very hungry. Quite a distance ahead of him, and near the 
path he was traveling, he saw a fig-tree. 

When he came to it, he found that it had no fruit on it, and he 
said to the tree, “Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever.” 
And presently the fig-tree withered away. 

It seemed strange that Jesus would speak thus; but it was not 
because he was angry with the tree for not having fruit on it, but 
because he wanted to teach his disciples a lesson of faith, and how 
much they would be able to do if they would only trust God and be¬ 
lieve his promises. 

When the disciples saw that the tree really had withered away, 
they could hardly understand how it was; and Peter spoke to Jesus 

about it. 

The answer Jesus made was so precious. He said, “Have faith 
in God; for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, 
ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig-tree, but also if ye 
shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be cast into the 
sea, it shall be done. 

“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye 
shall receive.” 

The disciples had great need of lessons like this. Jesus wanted 
them to have such a perfect trust and faith in God that they would 
not he afraid to ask .him for anything they were needing, and that 
they would not be afraid to ask for others too. 


240 


FAVORITE STORIES 


This same promise is for all God’s people to-day. They can 
have anything they ask for, if they truly believe that God will give 
it to them. 

Some one might say, “What if they asked for something they 
ought not to have?” 

God’s children would not do that. They would very soon see 
that it was not God’s will for them to have it, and of course would 
not believe that they would receive it. 

Jesus in the Temple. 

Jesus found the temple, which had been built only as a place in 
which to worship God, in a very sad condition. 

Many of the people had returned who had been in the habit of 
using the temple as a place to make money, by selling sacrifices to those 
who came to the feast. Jesus two years before this had driven them 
out, and overthrown their tables, and now he did the same again. 
He did not give them time to remove any of their goods, but cast them 
out as quickly as possible. 

And he said, “Is it not written, My house shall be called of all 

nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.” 

The people now had the chance to accept Jesus if they would; 
but it was as he had said it would be—they rejected him. Only a 
few lame and blind people came to Jesus as he was teaching in 
the temple. These he healed, and sent away happy. 

But some little children sang the songs that they heard as Jesus 
rode up to the temple, and they kept singing them. Their words 
were, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” 

Some of the Pharisees who were watching Jesus all the time 

to find something that they could use against him came up to Jesus, 

and said, “Hearest thou what these say?” 

Jesus answered by asking them whether they had never read the 
words from the Bible, “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou 
hast perfected praise.” 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


241 


In the evening, he, with his disciples, left the city, and went out 
to spend the night in the Mount of Olives; hut he returned to the 
temple early the next morning. 

More people came out to hear him, and some listened with real 
interest. But the same spirit of faultfinding was in the Pharisees. 
When he had been preaching for a good while, some of them came 
and said, “By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave 
thee this authority? 

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you 
one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I 
do these things. 

“The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. 

“And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, 
From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? 

“But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all 
men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. 

“And they answered and said unto Jesus, We can not tell. And 
Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what 
authority I do these things.” 

Then Jesus told them a story about a man who had two sons. 
One day this man went to one of his sons, and told him to go and 
work in his vineyard. At first the son said he would not go; but 
afterwards he was sorry that he had refused, and he went and did 
as his father had told him. 

The father also told his other son to go and work in his vine¬ 
yard. This son said he would go, but did not keep his word. 

Then Jesus asked which of these sons did the will of his father, 
and the Pharisees answered, “The first.” This, Jesus said, was 
the way it would be in the kingdom of God. The publicans whom 
they hated so much would go into the kingdom before they themselves 
would; for they believed that Jesus had been sent from heaven, but 
these Pharisees believed not. 


242 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The Vineyard of the Lord. 

There was a man who planted a vineyard, Jesus said, and set out 
a nice hedge all around it, to protect it from wild beasts and thieves. 
And he built a tower and a winepress, that nothing would be lacking. 

Then he gave it in charge of some husbandmen that he employed 
to take care of it, and went away into a far country, where he re¬ 
mained a long time. 

When the time drew near for the fruit to be ripe, he sent his 
servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive from them the 
fruits of the vineyard. But instead of delivering the fruit to the 
servants, they treated them shamefully. They beat one, killed an¬ 
other, and stoned another. 

But the owner of the vineyard did not stop with this. He sent 
other servants, more than at the first; and they were treated in the 
same manner as the first. 

Last of all he sent his son, saying, 4 4 They will reverence my son.’’ 

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among them¬ 
selves, 44 This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on 
his inheritance. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him 
out of the vineyard .’ 9 

Then Jesus asked the Pharisees what they supposed the lord of 
that vineyard would do to those husbandmen when he came home. 

They answered, 4 4 He will miserably destroy those wicked men, 
and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render 
him the fruits in their season.” 

They did not at first realize that the parable was spoken against 
them; but they might have known it, for it was very plain. 

The people of Israel were God’s vineyard, and the hard-hearted 
Pharisees were the cruel husbandmen. The servants sent to bring the 
fruit were those dear honest people who loved God with all their 
hearts and obeyed his commands, and the son, or heir, was Jesus, 
God’s Son. 

Then Jesus asked them whether they had never read in the Bible: 






243 




























































































































































244 


FAVORITE STORIES 


4 4 The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head 
of the corner. Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken: 
but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. ” 

When the Pharisees heard this, they understood that the parable 
had been spoken against them; for Jesus had ended it by saying, 
4 4 The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation 
bringing forth fruits thereof.’’ 

o*o>o*o 

Be Ye Ready; or, The Parable of the Ten Virgins. 

A little band I have in mind, 

Just ten in all, of virgins kind; 

Each holds a lamp within her hand, 

And in two groups they meekly stand. 

Why are they here? 

The night’s so drear; 

’Twould seem their hearts would fill with fear. 

They all expect a friend to come, 

They ’re all invited to his home; 

There’ll be a marriage feast, you see; 

To meet him they must ready be. 

’Tis long to wait; 

Here at the gate 

They all sink down in sleepy state. 

At last a sudden cry arose; 

What did it mean ? All eyes unclose. 

‘ 4 The bridegroom’s come L’ ’ Ah! this is why 
They heard the sudden midnight cry. 

They haste and trim 
Their lamps, now dim; 

They must prepare to welcome him. 

Five had their lamps soon burning bright, 

Their rays sent forth a ruddy light; 

The lights of five grew dim so fast 



THE WICKED HUSBANDMEN 


245 





























































































































































































































































































































FAVORITE STORIES 


’Twas plain to see they could not last: 

If they could get 
Some oil, as yet, 

Perhaps, the bridegroom might be met. 

Of course, it was a foolish thing, 

These five should all forget to bring 
Oil for their lamps; so to the wise 
They hastened with these pleading cries: 

4 ‘ Our lights are gone! 

Of oil we’ve none! 

Divide, or we’ll be left alone!” 

The wise, for fear their own might fail, 
Said, “Nay, go buy where it’s for sale.” 
They hastened, but ere they returned, 

The bridegroom came, they after learned. 
He’d found the wise 
With full supplies; 

His coming caused them no surprise. 

He took them in, his feast to share, 

Then closed the door with utmost care. 

The foolish came, and speaking thus, 

Said, “Lord, lord, open unto us.” 

The lord said, “Nay, 

You now must stay 

Where there’ll be weeping night and day.” 

Ah! watch and pray and ready be. 

Lest some day likewise you should see 
The Lord’s appearance in the skies, 

And have to go for fresh supplies. 

Christ warns us all, 

Both great and small, 

To ready be at his last call. 





































































































































































































































































































































































































































248 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Plots Laid by the Pharisees to Entrap Jesus. 

The Pharisees saw that Jesus always had an answer for all their 
questions, and that they could not entangle him in his talk. Then 
they made a plot whereby they thought that perhaps they could get 
him to say something which would give offense either to the people 
or else to the Romans. 

They chose men who would pretend to be only common people, 
but who were really spies, to go to Jesus and ask him some questions. 
Then they intended to go to the governor and tell him the words of 
Jesus, and thus work mischief. 

They chose the subject which had always caused them so much 
trouble—whether it were right to pay tribute money. They said, 
“Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute 
unto Caesar, or not?” 

Caesar was the Roman emperor who had conquered the Jews. He 
was the one who compelled the Jews to pay taxes; but he protected 
them from other nations, who might have done them harm. 

The Pharisees knew that if Jesus said it was not right to pay 
the taxes, he would be arrested by the Romans; but that if, on the con¬ 
trary, he said it was right, the people would lose all confidence in 
him; for they still hoped that Jesus would be their king, and would 
deliver them from the Romans. 

Jesus understood their motive for asking the question, and he said, 
“Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?” Then he asked them to show 
him a penny. When they brought it, he said, “Whose is this image 
and superscription?” And they answered, “Caesar's.” On one side 
was a picture of Caesar, and on the other side were words which meant, 
“Greatest High Priest.” These were called his image and super¬ 
scription, and were what Jesus referred to. 

So Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and 
to God the things that are God's.” 

When the Pharisees heard these words, they marveled or won- 


FtiOM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


249 


dered at the wisdom of Jesus, and they left him and went away. 

They understood that Jesus meant that while they were under the 
Roman emperor it was right for them to acknowledge him as their 
rightful ruler, and that it was certainly their duty to pay him the 
tribute he required. Thus their plot to entangle Jesus in his words 
was entirely overthrown. 

After this some of the Sadducees came to Jesus and asked some 
questions concerning the law of Moses. These were the people who 
did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. 

They, too, asked Jesus foolish questions, in order that he might 
be placed under arrest; hut when Jesus answered all their questions 
with heavenly wisdom, they could not help saying, “Master, thou 
hast well said. ’ ’ And after that they did not dare ask him such simple 
questions. 

When the Pharisees and Sadducees had been put to silence, a 
lawyer ventured to ask a question. He said, “Master, which is the 
greatest commandment in the law!” 

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shaft love the Lord thy God with all 
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 

“This is the first and great commandment. 

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor 
as thyself. 

“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” 

The lawyer answered, “Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: 
for there is one God; and there is none other but he: and to love 
him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all 
the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as him¬ 
self, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 

“And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto 
him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” 

Then Jesus warned the people against the Pharisees; for they 
made strict rules for other people, but what they did themselves was 
only to be seen of men and to be well spoken of. Their works, he 
taught, would not amount to anything in the sight of God. 


250 


FAVORITE STORIES 


He told the people that they were to listen to the words of the 
Scribes and Pharisees, for they were the words of the law of God; but 
that they must not act like them. 

Jesus pronounced many dreadful woes upon the Pharisees for their 
hypocrisy and disobedience. And then, thinking of the people whom 
they led astray and of the beautiful city that was soon to be destroyed 
for their sins, he cried out: “0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest 
the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often 
would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth 
her chickens, under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house 
is left unto you desolate.’’ 

OKDKD^O 

The Widow’s Offering. 

Within the temple was a place called the treasury. This was 
the place where the people put their offerings or money for the poor 
people and for the care of the temple. 

Jesus was very tired when he had finished his talk with the 
Pharisees, and his heart was very full of sorrow. 

He went and sat down near the treasury, and sat there watching 
the people as they came to offer their gifts. 

Many of those who w r ere rich cast large sums of money into the 
treasury; but there was a poor widow, who had only two mites. 

This was a very small amount of money; but as she had no more, 
she was not ashamed to offer what she had.' 

Jesus saw what the widow put into the treasury, and he was 
pleased, for he knew what a great sacrifice she had made to spare 
even that amount. 

He called his disciples to him, and said, “ Verily I say unto you, 
That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have 
cast into the treasury.” 

Why did Jesus say this? It was because she, being very poor, 
had cast in all the money she had. She was perfectly willing to give 
























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































252 


FAVORITE STORIES 


it to the Lord, for she had faith to know that he would not let her 
suffer. ' «i i | y. MJjj 

The rich who had cast so much money into the treasury perhaps 
looked with disdain upon the little, humble offering of the widow; but 
they had cast in of their abundance, and would never miss their 
offerings. 

So we see that God is not pleased so much with the amount of our 
offering as he is with the sacrifice we have made to spare it. 

A Voice from Heaven. 

The hour when Jesus was to he sacrificed for the sins of the people 
was now close at hand. 

Although he was God’s Son, and had all power to save his own 
life, he did not want to do it; for it was for this purpose that he had 
been born into the world. 

But Jesus had a body like ours. It shrank from pain and suffer¬ 
ing, although it endured so much; and now as he saw the time fast 
approaching, he said: “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I 
say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto 
this hour. Father, glorify thy name. 

“Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both 
glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 

The people who were standing near Jesus, heard the voice, and 
they wondered what it was, for they could not understand the words. 
Some said, “It thundered”; and others, “An angel spoke to him.” 

Then Jesus told them that it was God’s voice, and said, “This 
voice came not because of me, hut for your sakes.” Then he spoke 
of his death and resurrection, and warned them to prepare to meet him 
when he came to the earth again to gather his people together and then 
return with them to heaven, where they would reign with him in his 
kingdom. 

The Pharisees could not understand nor believe what he said, for 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT . 


253 


their sinful lives had blinded their eyes. But there were a good many 
who did believe that he was the Christ; and to such he said: “He that 
believet.h on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And 
he that seetli me seeth him that sent me.” 

Then Jesus, with his disciples, left the temple to go to the Mount 
of Olives, where they had been staying during the feast of the Pass- 
over. When they had passed out of the temple, the disciples spoke 
of the great and beautiful stones that were in the building; and as 
they were admiring them, Jesus said: “Seest thou these great build¬ 
ings! There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not 
be thrown down.” 

When they had reached the Mount of Olives, they could see the 
beautiful temple in the distance, and four of the disciples, Peter, 
James, John, and Andrew, asked Jesus when all the things of which 
he had been telling them were going to happen. In answer he said, 
“Take heed lest any man deceive you. For many shall come in my 
name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” 

He told them that many troubles were in store for them, and for 
all the Jews. Great armies, he said, would rise up against the Jews, 
Jerusalem would be destroyed, and there would be distress on every 
hand. 

There would be wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes, famines, 
and pestilences. And he warned them to take heed to themselves; for 
they would be persecuted, put in prison, and have to suffer many 
things. 

But all these things would only turn to them for a testimony. 
When they were brought before kings, God would teach them what 
to say, and they who heard their words would realize that their wisdom 
must be from above. 

In all their troubles they should not be forsaken; and more than 
this, after the Son of man had been crucified and he had risen and 
gone to heaven, he was going to come to get all those who were watch¬ 
ing for his coming. 

No man, he told them, could know just when that time would be, 
but every one must watch. 


254 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Jesus reminded them of the way Noah had warned the people so 
faithfully in his time, and of how they would not heed his warnings 
and at last the flood came and drowned them. 

c>x=>>o*o 

Scenes of the Judgment Day. 

Little did the children of Israel think the night they were de¬ 
livered from the bondage of Egypt that their deliverance and the 
Passover feast would have so great a meaning. 

They could not understand that year after year a feast was to be 
kept in honor of that time, as long as they continued to be a nation. 

Neither did these Jews, at the time when Jesus was with them, 
realize that their being a separate and a favored nation was nearly 
at a close, and that the sacrifice which was to be offered at this feast 
would be the Lamb of God, and that this offering would be remembered 
as long as the world should last, as the true sacrifice that ‘ ‘ taketh 
away the sin of the world .’ 9 

Jesus had always kept this feast, and now the time was near at 
hand when he would go to a place alone with his disciples and eat it. 
But before this time, Jesus gave his disciples an idea of what the 
judgment-day would be like. 

He said that day would be at the end of the world. Then all 
nations would be gathered together, and the Son of man would be 
seated upon his throne in heaven, with all the holy angels around him. 

Then the people would be divided as a shepherd would divide his 
flock. All the sheep would be placed on the right hand, and all the 
goats on the left. 

The sheep represented the people who loved God, and believed 
that lie had sent Jesus into the world to save them from their sins. 
The goats were those who did not believe this, and those who treated 
Jesus so shamefully in this life. 

When the people were all divided, then Jesus, who would be sit¬ 
ting upon his throne, would say to those on his right hand: “Come, 


FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


255 


ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from 
the foundation of the world: 

“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, 
and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 

“Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was 
in prison, and ye came unto me.” 

In surprise, these would ask when they had seen Jesus in any of 
those conditions, and he would answer them, “Verily I say unto you, 
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my 
brethren, ye have done it unto me.” 

Then Jesus would turn to those upon his left hand, and say: 
“Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the 
devil and his angels: 

“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, 
and ye gave me no drink: 

“I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed 
me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.” 

Then these, like the others, would be filled with surprise, and they 
would ask, “Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a 
stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto 
thee?” 

Then would he answer them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch 
as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” 

And then these would go away into everlasting punishment, but 
the righteous into life eternal. 

OK 

Judas among the Rulers. 

Now the day for the feast of unleavened bread was close at hand; 
and the rulers of the city gathered together to talk the matter over, 
and to decide how they could go about it to kill Jesus. But they 
said it must not happen on the feast-day, for they feared there would 
be an uproar among the people. 


256 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The high priest that year was named Caiaphas, and it was at his 
house that these rulers had gathered. Most of them were Pharisees, 
but one among them was—ah, how can I say it?—a disciple of Jesus. 
Yes, it was Judas Iscariot. 

You remember that he was a thief, and that he found fault with 
Mary for using the precious ointment so freely a short time before 
this. He had gone there to see what these wicked men would give 
him if he would betray his Master. 

The men were glad when they heard his errand, and they prom¬ 
ised to pay him thirty pieces of silver if he would deliver Jesus into 
their hands. 

Never since the world began has a worse or more bitter crime 
been committed. It would have been far better if that man had never 
been born. 

The rulers decided that it would be best to take Jesus as quietly 
as possible. Now that they had the promise Judas had made them, 
their minds were greatly relieved. And Judas left them. 

What must have been the feelings that filled the heart of this 
disciple as he left the house of the high priest? 

c>:*c>kz>:<d 

Alone with His Disciples. 

When the day arrived that they were to eat the Passover, the 
disciples came to Jesus, and asked him where he should like to have 
them go to prepare it. 

Jesus told them that he would eat the Passover in Jerusalem, 
and that they might go there to prepare it. 

He chose Peter and John to go, and said that soon after they 
entered the city a man bearing a pitcher of water would meet them. 
They were to go to this man, and tell him that the Master wished to 
eat the Passover at his house. Then the man would receive them 
kindly, and would give them a large upper room in which to prepare 
the feast. 


FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


257 


Peter and John did just as Jesus told them to do, and found 
everything as he had told them they would. The man-gladly gave 
them his best room. 

And when all was ready, they sent for Jesus and the remainder 
of the Twelve, and they sat down together. When supper was thus 
prepared, Jesus rose, laid aside his long upper garment, and took a 
towel and girded himself. 

Now, it was the custom of the people to wash their feet after 
having been out in the dusty roads. Jesus knew this, but that was 
not his reason for washing his disciples’ feet. He wanted to teach 
them the great lesson of humility and love, and give them an example 
that they might follow. 

When he had poured water into a basin, he began to wash each 
of his disciples’ feet. Ah, what a humble place it was for Jesus 
to fill! 

When he came to Peter and was about to wash his feet, Peter 
said, “Lord, dost thou wash my feet!” Jesus answered, “What I 
do, thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” 

Then Peter said, 1 ‘ Thou shalt never wash my feet ’ ’; but when 
Jesus said, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me,” Peter 
answered, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.” 
Jesus told him that it was necessary to wash only his feet; for he 
was not washing them because they were dirty, but for the lesson 
he wished them to learn. 

When their feet had all been washed, Jesus put on his garment 
and sat down again, and then explained to them the meaning of what 
he had done. He said: “Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call 
me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 

“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also 
ought to wash one another’s feet. 

“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have 

done to you. 

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than 
his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him, 

17 


258 


FAVORITE STORIES 


“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” 

Jesus said this was a very solemn time to him. As it would be 
the last time they would have the privilege of sitting down together 
as they were then, he told them again of his love and of God’s love. 

Then Jesus spoke of the wicked deed that Judas was about to 
do, and said that he had told them what was to come to pass, that 
they might remember his words after the things had happened. Then 
he told them plainly that one of them would betray him. 

The other disciples wondered whom he could mean, and one of 
them ventured to ask. Jesus answered, “He it is, to whom I shall 
give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, 
he gave it to Judas Iscariot.” 

Judas at once rose to go; and Jesus said to him in a low voice, 
“That thou doest, do quickly.” 

How wretched Judas must have felt when Jesus said this. Still, 
he was the only one who knew his Master’s meaning. The others 
saw him leave; but they supposed he was going out to buy something 
for the feast, or else to give something to the poor. 

o*cd*o*o 

The Lord's Supper Instituted. 

As soon as Judas had passed out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son 
of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.” And then he called 
his disciples “little children,” and said he was going to be with them 
only a little while longer. They would wonder many times, he said, 
where he had gone, and would seek him; but they would be unable to 
find him, for he was going back to heaven. 

He told them that to be his true disciples after he was gone, they 
must love one another even as he had loved them. If they did this, 
all men would know they were his disciples. 

Then, when he had taken bread and blessed it, he broke it in 
pieces, and handed a piece to each of his disciples, saying, “Take* 
eat; this is my body.” 




259 


JESUS TEACHING HUMILITY. 
































































































































































































































































































































260 


FAVORITE STORIES 


And when he had taken the cup and had given thanks, he gave 
it to them, saying, “Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the 
new testament, which is shed for the remission of sins.” 

Jesus meant that the bread represented his body, which was soon 
to be slain for the people, and that the wine represented his blood, 
which he would shed on the cross. 

He wanted them to understand just why he was slain, and to 
remember it for years after, or always, until he came hack to this 
earth for them, when he would take them home with him to heaven. 

And this is why the Lord’s Supper is kept by God’s people to¬ 
day—that they may keep in remembrance the time when the Lamb 
of God was slain, and remember him as their Passover. 

It was never necessary after that day to offer a little lamb as a 
sacrifice to keep in remembrance the deliverance from the bondage of 
Egypt. The bondage of sin is what God’s people are delivered from 
to-day, and it is through the death of Jesus that they are delivered. 

0fr0 * 0*0 

Peter’s Fall Foretold. 

Then Jesus said that it was written in the Bible, “I will smite 
the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall he scattered abroad.” 
This very night, he said, this scripture would be fulfilled. They 
would all be offended because of him, and would leave him to suffer 
alone. 

But after all his suffering was over, he would return, and go 
before them into Galilee. 

When Peter heard Jesus say this, he said, “Though all men shall 
be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” Jesus 
said to him, “Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock 
crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. ’ ’ Peter answered, 4 ‘ Though I should 
die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. ’ ’ And the other disciples said 
the same thing. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


261 


Then Jesus said to Peter, “ Satan hath desired to have you, that 
he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith 
fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” 

Peter could not understand why Jesus would say such things to 
him, and he answered, “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into 
prison, and to death.” But Jesus wanted to prepare Peter for what 
was coming. 

Then Jesus comforted his disciples by saying: “Let not your 
heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my 
Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have 
told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare 
a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that 
where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and 
the way ye know.” 

Thomas said, ‘ ‘ Lord, we know not whither thou goest, and how can 
we know the way?” Jesus replied, “I am the way, the truth, and 
the life.” And then he explained many things to them. And he 
said: “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it,” and, “If 
ye love me, keep my commandments.” 

cz»<o *c>><o 

Prayer in the Name of Christ. 

The disciples had been taught to pray before this, and the prayer 
Jesus taught them is generally known as “The Lord’s Prayer”; but 
now Jesus said that he was going to his Father in heaven, and that 
whatever they wanted, if they would ask the Father in his name, he 
would give it to them. 

He said that until this time they had never asked anything in 
his name, but that now if they would ask, they should receive; for the 
Father, he said, loved them because they had loved his Son. 

And he said, “I came forth from the Father, and am come into 
the world: again I leave the world, and go to the Father.” 

When Jesus had spoken thus, his disciples said that they believed 


262 


FAVORITE STORIES 


they could understand his words now, and that they believed he had 
come from God. 

Once more Jesus told them of the sorrows they would have to 
pass through, hut said, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the 
world,” and then he prayed for them. That was really the Lord's 
prayer. It may be found in the seventeenth chapter of John. 

After this they rose, and left the house where they had eaten 
the Passover, and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 

There was a garden on this mount, known as the Garden of Getli- 
semane. Jesus had often spent the night in this place, and it was 
here that Jesus now led his disciples. 

The Midnight Agony. 

When they had come to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus tol l 
some of his disciples to sit down and rest while he went farther on 
to pray. 

Three of the disciples, however, Jesus chose to go with him. 
They were Peter, James, and John, the same disciples that went up 
into Mount Hermon with him when he was transfigured before them. 

Now that lie was suffering so much, he felt that he should like 
to have these three with him. He said to them: “My soul is exceed¬ 
ing sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 
And pray that ye enter not into temptation.” 

Then “he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, 
saying, 0 my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: 
nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” 

After a time he returned to the three disciples, but he did not 
find them watching. It was now very late in the night, and they who 
only a few hours before had been so willing to suffer anything for 
Jesus were so tired that they had fallen asleep. 

He said to Peter, “What! could ye not watch with me one hour? 
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Then he ex- 























264 


FAVORITE STORIES 



CHRIST IN GETHSEMANE. 

Going away again, lie prayed, “0 my Father, if this cup may not 
pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will he done.” 

Then he came again, and finding them asleep, he went away the 
third time, and prayed the same words. And his agony became so 
great that his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down 
to the ground. 

When he came to them the third time and found them sleeping, 
he said: “Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at 


cused them by saying, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh 
is weak,” showing by this that he remembered that their bodies were 
very tired. 








EROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


265 


hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise 
up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.” 

All this time Judas had been plotting and planning with the 
Pharisees to find some way to betray his Master, and this had been 
one cause of the fearful suffering of Jesus. But the great cause was 
the awful weight of sin that was resting upon him. The sins of the 
whole world were pressing upon his soul. He had no sins of his own 
to bear; for he was holy, harmless, and undefiled. 

Oh, how we ought to thank our heavenly Father for permitting 
his dear Son to suffer such things for us. It was the only way by 
which we could be saved from sin, and become pure, as was the first 
man, whom God formed and placed in the Garden of Eden. 

Jesus is Made Prisoner. 

When Jesus came to his three disciples the third time, he saw 
not far away a multitude coming toward him. Jesus knew why they 
were coming, and he could have escaped as easily as he had done 
many times before; but the time had come for him to suffer, and he 
quietly stood still. 

At the head of the multitude was one of the twelve disciples, even 
Judas, and he led them straight to the place where Jesus was. Now, 
the Pharisees did not know' exactly which was Jesus; so for fear 
they would make a mistake, Judas had given them a sign. He had 
said, “Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him and lead 
him away safely.” 

When they reached the place, Judas hurried forward, and going 
up to Jesus, he said, “Hail, Master,” as if he were very glad to see 
him. Then he kissed Jesus. Jesus called him “friend,” and said, 
“Wherefore art thou come?” 

What a sorrowful look Jesus must have given him! but all he 
said was, “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” Then 
the Pharisees came forward, and took Jesus as their prisoner. 


266 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The disciples who had been so overcome with sleep such a short 
time before were now fully awake. They saw what had happened 
to their beloved Master, and their hearts were filled with terror at 
the sight of the armed soldiers. 

Now, Peter had a sword; and when he saw what had really taken 
place, he drew it, and cut off the right ear of the servant of the high 
priest. 

When Jesus saw this, he was grieved; and he told Peter to put 
away his sword at once, and said, “ Shall I not drink the cup which 
my Father hath given mef” 

He also said: “Thinkest thou that I can not now pray to my 
Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of 
angels? But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled?’’ 

“I was daily with you in the temple teaching,” he said to those 
who had come to arrest him, ‘ ‘ and ye took me not: but the Scriptures 
must be fulfilled.” 

Turning to the servant, whose name was Malchus, Jesus reached 
out his hand and touched the bleeding ear, and it was instantly healed. 
Even to the last, the works of Jesus were works of mercy and peace. 
Then the soldiers bound Jesus. 

When the disciples saw that they were in danger of being taken 
also—what did they do? Did they stand by their loving Master? 
Ah, no! Every one of them fled. Even Peter, who had said he would 
never leave Jesus, but if necessary would die with him, and John, 
whom Jesus had loved more than the rest for his gentle and loving 
ways, ran with the others. 

Jesus was then led back to the city of Jerusalem, to the house 
of Caiaphas the high priest. There the Pharisees and the chief men 
of the city were gathered together waiting to see what would happen. 























268 


FAVORITE STORIES 



Peter Denies His Master. 

When Peter saw that Jesus had really been taken, he no doubt 
remembered that he had said he would never leave Jesus, even if 
he were to die for him; still, he was too fearful in his heart to keep 
his promise. 


THE DENIAL OF PETER. 

But he did long to know how things were going, and what was to 
be done with Jesus; so he followed the crowd afar off. 

Another disciple, who was probably John, followed also; and 
when they came to the high priest’s house, they asked permission to 
go inside and warm themselves by the fire, for it was cold. 

This other disciple was well known in the house of the high priest, 






FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


269 


while Peter was a stranger; but both were allowed to go inside. 

As they entered, a damsel asked Peter whether he were one of 
those who had been with Jesus; hut he said, “No; I am not.” 

Soon after this, as Peter was warming himself by the fire, another 
one of the maids saw him; and when she came to the place where he 
was, she asked him whether he were not one of those who had followed 
Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied it again, and said, “I know not, 
neither understand I what thou sayest.” 

After a while some who had heard him speak before said to him, 
“Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. 
Thou art a Galilean.” 

Then a relative of Malchus’, the high priest’s servant, asked, “Did 
not I see thee in the garden with him!” When Peter heard this, he 
answered angrily that he knew nothing of what they were talking. 

Just then he heard a cock crow. At once he remembered the 
words of Jesus—that before the cock crowed he would three times 
deny his Master. He then looked toward the place where Jesus was 
standing, and saw that Jesus had turned around and was looking 
at him. 

What must have been Peter’s thoughts then! We know that his 
heart was filled with sorrow, for he went out and wept bitterly. 

Poor Peter! his repentance was sincere and lasting. He had not 
denied his Master from any such reason as had prompted Judas. 

Jesus freely forgave Peter, and made him strong and very useful 
in his service afterwards. 

But what about Judas! Did he become sorry! Ah, yes! But 
you shall hear about him later. 

Jesus before the Council. 

As soon as possible after the arrest of Jesus, the couneil met, 
and tried to find such false testimony against Jesus as would warrant 
putting him to death; but they found none. 


270 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Many were willing to act as false witnesses, but they did not agree 
with one another. 

The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples and of his doc¬ 
trine. 4 ‘Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever 
taught in the synagogue, and in the temple whither the Jews always 
resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask 
them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know 
what I said. 

“And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood 
by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou 
the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear 
witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?” 

Now Jesus was still bound. Then how very unkind and cruel it 
was for them to strike him; but Jesus did not resent it. He felt no 
anger toward them. 

After a long time they found two false witnesses who seemed to 
agree on the same thing. You know a witness is one who has seen 
or heard another do or say something, and he simply tells what 
it was. 

These witnesses said that they had heard Jesus say, “I am able 
to destroy the temple of God, and to build it again in three days.” 
But even they did not perfectly agree in the matter. 

All this time Jesus had remained quiet, and made no answers to 
the charges brought against him. 

The high priest wondered very much at this, and he asked Jesus 
what he had to say for himself; but Jesus still remained silent. This 
was very displeasing to the high priest, for he had hoped that what¬ 
ever Jesus would say might in some way be turned against him. So 
he asked Jesus a question that required an answer. 

He said, “Art thou the Christ, the Son of God?” Jesus answered, 
“I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand 
of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” 

When the priest heard Jesus say this, he asked the people what 
they thought of his words; and because they considered them to be 
blasphemous, they said he was*worthy of death. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


271 


The great council of the chief priests and elders had now con¬ 
demned Jesus to death; but still other steps must be taken before 
they would dare kill him. The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, had 
to he consulted. 

Then those soldiers and servants who were standing about began 
to spit in the face of Jesus; and when they had covered his eyes, 
they struck him with their hands, saying, “Prophesy unto us, thou 
Christ, Who is he that smote thee ? ’ ’ 

As soon as possible in the morning Jesus was led away to the 
hall of judgment to appear before Pilate. 

o:«c»<o*o 


Jesus before Pilate. 

The chief priests and Pharisees would not enter the judgment-hall 
with Jesus; but remained outside for fear of being “defiled,” and 
thus made unfit to eat the Passover. They vrere very particular 
about observing outward forms and ceremonies, but in their hearts 
they were far from God. 

When Pilate saw that a prisoner had been brought, he went out¬ 
side and asked the people what they had to say. 

They had nothing to bring against Jesus that would make him 
worthy of death according to the law of the Romans; so they said he 
was a malefactor, or evil-doer, and was worthy of death. 

Then Pilate said, “Take him and judge him according to your 
law.” But the Jews answered, “It is not lawful for us to put any 
man to death.” 

Pilate returned to the hall where Jesus was, and asked him, “Art 
thou the King of the Jews?” 

Jesus asked Pilate how he happened to ask him this question, and 
inquired whether some one had not told him to ask it. Pilate answered, 
“Am I a Jew! Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered 
thee unto me: what hast thou done!” 

Then Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my 


272 


FAVORITE STORIES 


kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should 
not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus 
answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I bom, 
and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness 
unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 



THE PHARISEES PERSECUTING JESUS. 


“Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said 
this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in 
him no fault at all. ’ 1 













































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


273 


The Pharisees became more fierce than ever when they heard 
these words from Pilate, and they said, “He stirreth np the people, 
teaching throughout Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.’’ 

Pilate asked whether Jesus was a Galilean; and when the people 
said yes, he at once sent him to King Herod, who was the ruler of 
Galilee, and who happened to he at Jerusalem at that time. 

Now, Herod had long wished to see Jesus; for he had heard many 
things about the wonderful miracles which he did, and he hoped that 
at this time he might see him perform some miracle. But Jesus 
would not work any miracles to please the curiosity of a wicked man, 
neither would he answer the questions Herod asked him. 

When Herod saw this, he and his men mocked Jesus; and when 
they had put a purple robe upon him, such as was worn by kings, 
he sent him hack to Pilate. 

Herod and Pilate had been enemies, but through the trial of Jesus 
they became friends again. 

o*k=>:-o*o 

Pilate’s Wife Has a Dream. 

After King Herod had sent Jesus back to Pilate, the chief priests 
and rulers of the Jews were called together. And Pilate said to 
them: 4 ‘Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the 
people; and behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no 
fault in him concerning those things whereof ye accuse him. No, nor 
yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and lo, nothing worthy of death is 
done unto him.” 

Pilate really wished to release Jesus, because of a dream which 
his wife had. The dream had troubled her very much, and she had 
sent a message to her husband, saying, “Have thou nothing to do with 
that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream 
because of him.” 

Pilate said that if it were necessary he would chastise or punish 

him, but that he did not want to put him to death, 

18 


274 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Now, it was a custom of the Jews that every year at the feast 
of the Passover one prisoner should he set free, and the people had 
the right of choosing who it should be. Pilate reminded them of this 
custom, and asked whether it would not be all right to release Jesus. 

When they heard this, they cried out all at once, “Away with this 
man, and release unto us Barabbas.” 

Now, Barabbas was a murderer and a robber. This, Pilate knew, 
and he also knew that the Jews had no just accusation to bring against 
Jesus; so he asked, “What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom 
ye call the King of the Jews?” Then the horrible cry arose, “Crucify 
him, crucify him!” 

As soon as the crowd of people became quiet, Pilate asked, “Why, 
what evil hath he done?” But they cried out louder than before, 
“Crucify him!” 

o*o*o*o 

The Sentence. 

Pilate from the first had been unwilling to say that Jesus must 
die; but he was afraid of the fierce crowd around him that was scream¬ 
ing those terrible words: “Crucify him, crucify him!” 

Again he tried to persuade them to let Jesus go free, but they 
demanded that he give them Barabbas. They would rather endure 
suffering from the hand of that wicked murderer than spare the life 
of one who never did any sin and whose deeds were all deeds of 
kindness and love. 

When Pilate saw that they were determined to put Jesus to death, 
he told them that they must hear all the blame. This they said they 
would gladly do, and then Pilate washed his hands as a sign that he 
was free from all guilt in the matter—hut was he? 

Ah! he was not innocent in God’s sight, and his actions were 
those of a coward. 

When Pilate delivered Jesus to them, he said, “Behold your king.” 
But the people cried out: “Away with him, crucify him. We have 
no king but Caesar.” Then Jesus was delivered into their hands. 





- At ..a-,'-- 




































































































































































































































































































































































276 


FAVORITE STORIES 


They now had Jesus, and also the power to do all the wicked 
things that they had often longed to do. God permitted it, because 
it was necessary that Jesus should die, that through the shedding 
of his precious blood the way of salvation might be opened for all 
the people in the world. 

When the Pharisees really had Jesus in their power, they did 
many things to make him suffer. 

After his back had been made bare, and he had been scourged, 
the soldiers who had charge of him replaced the purple robe that 
Herod had put on him. Then when they had made a crown out of 
thorns, they placed it upon his head, and mocked him by saying, 
“Hail, King of the Jews!” and many struck him with their hands. 
Oh, how shameful to treat God’s righteous Servant, our loving Re¬ 
deemer, in this way! but these evil men had hearts like stone. They 
had no pity for Jesus. They hated him because they were wicked, 
and he was good. 

c_ } 

Another Scene. 

About the time when the soldiers were mocking Jesus, another 
terrible event was taking place not far off. 

When the chief priests and elders had gained the consent of 
Pilate to crucify Jesus, they left the judgment-hall; but the matter 
was so on their minds that they met in the temple to talk it over. 

All at once some one appeared before them. It was Judas the 
traitor. Oh, how wretched he was! He could now fully realize what 
he had done, and his heart was filled with terror. How he wished 
that he could undo the wicked deed he had committed so short a time 
before. 

He had heard that they had condemned Jesus to death, and now 
he had sought for the Pharisees, to see whether they would not change 
their plans; but it was too late. 

Jle could see their hard looks; yet he ventured to say, “I have 



277 


JUDAS TRYING TO UNDO THE WRONG HE HAD DONE 









































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































278 


FAVORITE STORIES 


sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood. ” But they harshly 
answered, 4 ‘What is that to us? see thou to that.” 

The last time Judas had stood before them, he had come to bar¬ 
gain for the sum of money he was to receive if he would betray his 
Master. And he had agreed to do the terrible deed for thirty pieces 
of silver. This was about equal to fifteen dollars and thirty cents. 
Now this money that he had once coveted so greedily had become 
hateful to him. He could not even bear the sight of it. 

So he threw it down upon the floor in front of the chief priest, 
and then went away and hanged himself. 

Poor Judas! He had added another terrible deed to the one 
already committed. He had taken the life which he considered his 
own, but which really belonged to God. 

How much better it would have been had he hastened to Jesus, 
and begged him to forgive him, even though he could not undo the 
harm he had done! He had heard his Master say, ‘ ‘ Him that cometh 
to me I will in no wise cast out,” and, “Come unto me, all ye that 
labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 

Although Judas was sorry for his evil deeds, yet he did not love 
Jesus, and that was why he would not go to him. 

When Judas had gone away, and the Pharisees saw the money 
still lying there, they took it up, and wondered what they could do 
with it. They could not put it in the treasury, because it was the 
price of blood. But when they had talked the matter over, they de¬ 
cided to buy with it some ground in which to bury strangers. They 
therefore bought the potter’s field, and it was always spoken of as 
“The field of blood.” 

One of the prophets had years before prophesied that all this 
should happen. He had said: “They weighed for my price thirty 
pieces of silver. And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: 
a goodly price that I was priced at of them. And I took the thirty 
pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.” 



279 


DEATH OF THE BE-TRAY-ER JU-DAS IS-CAR-I-OT 




























































































































































































































































































280 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Bearing His Cross. 

There was no time lost by the Pharisees after Pilate had given 
them permission to crucify Jesus. After placing a crown of thorns 
on his head, and putting a reed or wand in his hand, they mocked him 
by calling him king of the Jews. Then they took the purple robe 
off him, and dressed him in his own clothing, and led him away to a 
place called Golgotha or Calvary. 

Now, Jesus had eaten nothing since he had eaten the last supper 
with his disciples. Since then, think of the suffering he had endured— 
first in the Garden of Gethsemane, where his sweat was as great drops 
of blood; then the suffering before the high priests, as well as before 
King Herod, and then Pilate’s scourging. After all this he was 
commanded to carry his own cross, upon which he was going to be 
crucified. Was it strange that he sank beneath that heavy load? 

When Jesus sank to the ground under the heavy weight of the 
cross, they laid hold of a man named Simon, who had just come from 
the country, and made him carry it the rest of the way. 

Among the crowd of people who followed were many women; and 
when they saw Jesus fall, they wept loudly. Jesus heard them, and 
turning toward them, he said, “Weep not for me, but weep for your¬ 
selves, and for your children.” For many troubles, he said, were to 
come upon them, and they would even wish they had never been born. 

Jesus knew that God would send a fearful punishment upon the 
people for their cruel treatment of his beloved Son. 

When they had reached Golgotha, some one gave Jesus vinegar 
and gall to drink. This seems to have been for the purpose of deaden¬ 
ing pain; but when he had tasted, he refused to drink it. 

Jesus had often spoken to his disciples about bearing the cross. 
He did not simply mean a cross of wood; for there were many other 
things that might come upon them fully as hard to bear as the cross 
that Jesus bore. They were to be willing to bear just as patiently 
as he was bearing his trials now any suffering that might come upon 
them. 

We all have a cross to bear. Let us bear it in the right way. 



CHRIST CAR-RY-ING HIS CROSS* 






























































































































































































































282 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The Crucifixion. 

At last they came to the place where Jesus was to be crucified. 
This place was called both Golgotha and Calvary, and it was only a 
little way from Jerusalem. 

Then came the sad and terrible scene of the crucifixion. They 
placed the dear, patient Jesus upon the cross, and drove great nails 
through his hands and feet, so that he would hang upon it until he 
died. Oh, the agony he must have suffered! And, dear children, he 
bore all that pain for you, and for every one who would believe that 
he was God’s Son. 

Two men who had been condemned to die, were led out to be 
crucified with Jesus. They, too, were nailed to crosses, just as Jesus 
had been—one at his right hand and the other at his left. 

But these were bad men. They were thieves, who were being put 
to death for the wicked things they had done; while Jesus was innocent, 
never having done anything wrong. 

Now, persons who were crucified did not die quickly; they some¬ 
times lived for many hours after they were nailed to the cross. 

While Jesus was hanging upon the cross, and suffering such bitter 
pain, many of the Pharisees walked past him, repeating all the hard 
things they had said before. 

Some said, “Ah, thou that destrovest the temple, and buildest it 
in three days, save thyself, and come down from the cross.” 

Others said: “He saved others; let him save himself, if he be the 
chosen one of God. Let Christ, the King of Israel, descend from the 
cross, that we may see and believe.” 

Now, Pilate had written a title, and placed it above the head of 
Jesus upon his cross. The writing was, “jesus of nazareth, the king 

CF THE JEWS.” 

The Jews were not at all pleased with the writing, for it called 
him really their king. Some of them went to Pilate, and said, “Write 
not, The king of the Jews; but that he said, I am the King of the 
Jews.” But Pilate would not change what he had written. 



THE cru-ci-fix-ion; 













































































































































284 


FAVORITE STORIES 


This title was not only written so that the Jews could read it, but 
written in three different languages, which were the Greek, the Latin, 
and the Hebrew. In this way all present might be able to read it, 
and know that this was the King for whom they had looked, and might 
note the treatment he was receiving. 

The soldiers were obliged to stay and watch until the end came. 
While they were waiting, they sat down and divided among themselves 
Jesus’ clothes. 

His loose outer garment was divided into four parts. But his 
under garment was made in one piece, and it could not be divided. 
So they said, “Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.” 

Many years before, King David had prophesied that they should 
do this. He had said, “They parted my garments among them, and 
cast lots upon my vesture.” 

o&o*oi<!D 

The Penitent Thief. 

The thieves who were being crucified with Jesus, heard the many 
bitter remarks that were made by the Pharisees. These remarks made 
an impression upon them both, but in different ways. 

One of them repeated some of the words he had heard. “If,” 
said he, “thou be the Christ, save thyself and us.” What a remark 
for one to make who had such a short time to live! 

The other thief, when he heard the remark, wondered how any 
one in their condition could speak so, and he said, “Dost not thou 
fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” 

And he reminded him of their past lives, which had been so sinful, 
and said that they deserved their punishment, but that Jesus had 
never done anything amiss. 

Then turning to Jesus, he said, “Lord, remember me when thou 
comest into thy kingdom.” 

Jesus was glad when he heard the poor man speak in this way. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


285 


His answer was so precious—“Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt 
thou be with me in paradise.’’ He had not replied to any of the 
other questions asked him, but instead prayed that God would forgive 
those who asked them. 

Perhaps this alone convinced the thief that Jesus was really the 
King, and that if so, his kingdom must he somewhere. It certainly 
did not seem to he there. Then, perhaps he had listened to Jesus 
when he had been teaching the people in the past. 

But whatever the thief had seen or heard, he now believed that 
Jesus was God’s Son and his Savior. 

Looking down from the cross, Jesus saw his own dear mother. 
Oh, how she must have been suffering! Others had come with her, 
that they might be with Jesus until the very last. Among these was 
the disciple whom Jesus had always loved so much. The Bible does 
not tell his name, but we believe it was John. 

When Jesus saw this disciple, he looked at his mother, and said, 
“Woman, behold thy son!” and to the disciple he said, 4 ‘Behold thy 
mother!” “And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own 
home.” 

Then it suddenly grew dark, and there was darkness everywhere 
for several hours. 

OK>OK^ 

The Death of Jesus. 

As the awful hours rolled on, which were increasing the suffer¬ 
ings of Jesus, it seemed to him at last that even God had forsaken 
him. In his agony he cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou 
forsaken me!” What must have been his sufferings in both mind 
and body! No one can ever picture them as they were. But they 
were nearly ended. 

Some one, seeing how much he was suffering, held to his mouth 
a sponge which had been dipped in vinegar, and he drank. 

When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; 
and he bowed his head, and died. 


286 


FAVORITE STORIES 


“What was finished?” do you ask? God’s plan of salvation was 
finished. Jesus, the Lamb of God, had become the sacrifice for sin. 
Through his death every one might be saved; and more than that, he 
had promised his disciples that when all was finished, he would go 
to heaven, and would send a Comforter, or Holy Spirit, that would 
teach them, and keep them from feeling like committing sin. 

Jesus did as he had promised, as you will soon see. 

But we first must find out what happened at the time Jesus died. 
There were terrible sounds all around. The earth opened in places, 
and rocks were broken in pieces; graves were opened, and many who 
had died before this time were awakened, and arose after the resurrec¬ 
tion of Jesus. 

But the strangest thing that happened was that the vail of the 
temple which hung in front of the holiest place, was torn from top 
to bottom. 

From the time of Moses until the death of Jesus it had not been 
lawful for any one to enter this part of the temple, except the high 
priest when he went to offer sacrifices for the people, and even then 
his life was in danger. 

But now Jesus had been offered up as a sacrifice for the sins of 
the people, and God was going to set up his altar in men’s hearts. 

By the death of Jesus, then, the old Jewish law passed away, 
together with the awful curse of sin that had rested upon all mankind 
from the time of Adam. Jesus took all this load of sin upon himself, 
in order that all who truly repented and believed it would be as pure 
and free from sin as Adam was when God created him. In this way 
Jesus became the Savior of the world. 

When those who were standing around saw all that happened at 
the death of Jesus, many said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” 



FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


287 


The Burial. 

On account of the next day being the Sabbath, it was thought best 
not to let the bodies remain on the cross over night. For this reason the 



THE BURIAL. OF JESUS. 

Pharisees sent to Pilate to know whether they might hasten death by 
breaking the legs of those on the cross, and whether they might take 
the bodies away. 






288 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Having gained Pilate’s consent, they returned; and the soldiers 
broke the legs of the thieves who had been crucified with Jesus. 

When they came to Jesus, they found that he was dead already, 
and they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his 
side, and there came out a stream of blood and water. 

There was a prophecy in the Bible about this treatment of the 
body of Jesus. It read thus: “A hone of him shall not he broken.” 
And in another place it read, 4 ‘They shall look on him whom they 
pierced.” 

And then came the preparation for the burial of Jesus. 

Among the Pharisees were two men that had not consented to the 
death of Jesus; but they were not able to prevent the fierce crowd from 
doing the wicked deed. 

One of these was Joseph of Arimathea. He was a good man, 
and was looking for the kingdom of God. He had been convinced 
through the sermons of Jesus of what this kingdom was; and although 
he had been unable to save the life of Jesus, he determined to see 
that he was at least properly buried. 

He was a brave man; but for fear that the Jews would overthrow 
his plans, he went quietly to Pilate, and asked that he might take 
the body down from the cross and bury it. 

Pilate was surprised when he heard that Jesus was dead, and he 
sent a soldier to see if it were really true. When he learned that 
Jesus was dead, he gave the body to Joseph, who carefully took it down 
from the cross, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth. 

The other Pharisee that did not consent to the death of Jesus, 
was Nicodemus. This was the same man that had gone to Jesus one 
night about three years before to learn of him the way of salvation. 
He had not forgotten the words spoken to him that night; and although 
he did not have the courage to boldly follow him in life, he now wished 
to help Joseph bury his body. 

Nicodemus brought a mixture of costly spices and ointment, for 
he longed to do something to show his respect. 

There was a garden close by, where a new tomb had been made. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


289 


The tomb had never been used to bury any one in, so here they carried 
the body of Jesus, and laid it away carefully. 

The tomb bad been cut in the side of a great rock, in which there 
was but one opening, and against this opening or door they rolled a 
large stone. 

There were two women who watched carefully to see where Jesus 
would be buried. These were Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother 
of Joses, who was one of the disciples of Jesus. 

When all was done that they could do, they returned home to 
prepare for the Sabbath; but the women intended to return early on 
Sunday morning, as soon as the Sabbath had ended. Their laws were 
very strict concerning the seventh day, which was the Sabbath; and 
all the Jews were expected to observe them. 

How sad must this Sabbath have been to the disciples in Jerusalem, 
and to the three friends of Jesus in Bethany. Jesus had told them all 
many times before about his betrayal and his cruel death; hut it had 
seemed hard for them to realize that what he told them would ever be 
true. They could not understand why such things would ever have 
to take place. 

Now it had happened just as Jesus had said, and they were left 
alone. Jesus would never deliver them from the hands of the Romans, 
as some of them had once hoped; but he would deliver them from a 
greater bondage—from one to whom they had been slaves for hund¬ 
reds of years. That one was Satan. 

0*0*<D*0 

The Tomb is Guarded. 

Jesus had many times spoken of rising from the dead on the 
third day, hut the disciples had never paid much attention to the 
words. If they remembered them now, it was with little thought that 
any such thing would come to pass. 

The Pharisees, however, remembered very clearly what Jesus 
had said; so they hurried away to Pilate, and said: “Sir, we remember 
19 


290 


FAVORITE STORIES 


that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will 
rise again. Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until 
the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, 
and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error 
shall be worse than the first. ” 

Pilate gave them permission, and said, “Ye have a watch: go 
your way, make it as sure as ye can.” 

So they went and closed up the tomb so that no person could enter 
or go out of the tomb without breaking the seal. They also placed 
a guard of soldiers around the tomb, to prevent any one from coming 
near it. 

When the Pharisees felt that all had been done that was necessary 
to keep the body of Jesus in the tomb, they went away to their homes. 

But what happened that night! “Behold, there was a great earth¬ 
quake; for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came 
and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His coun¬ 
tenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for 
fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.” 

The mocking crowd had told Jesus to come down from the cross 
if he were really the Christ, as he said he was; but Jesus was suffer¬ 
ing that shame for a purpose. Now the time had come for him 
to rise from the grave, and no man could have any more power over 
his body. 

o*o*o*o 

Morning of the Resurrection. 

Very early in the morning of the first day of the week, after the 
Sabbath was past, the women that had watched where they buried 
Jesus, returned to the tomb. They brought sweet spices with them, 
expecting to anoint the body of him whom they loved so well, and 
thereby show their respect and affection. 

They knew nothing of the soldiers that had been placed at the 
tomb, nor of the angel that had appeared to them. Neither did they 
know that they would not find the body of Jesus within the tomb where 
it had been left. 


























































































292 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Some of their friends were with them. On the way they began 
to wonder who would roll away the stone for them; but when they 
reached the place, they found that the stone had already been removed. 

The angel was still there; and when the women saw him, they 
were frightened. But the angel said to them: “Be not affrighted: 
ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is not here: for 
he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; 
and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there ye shall see him: 
lo, I have told you.” 

This was indeed a wonderful message. The hearts of the women 
were full of joy at the prospect of once more seeing Jesus. But they 
were still trembling from fear. 

As they were hurrying away from the sepulcher to tell the dis¬ 
ciples, behold, Jesus met them. And he said in his old familiar voice, 
“All hail.” 

Mary Magdalene had been so anxious to see the body of Jesus 
again that she had gone very early, and ahead of the rest, to the tomb. 
It was still dark when she reached the place. 

When she saw that the tomb was empty, and that Jesus was not 
there, her heart was full of grief; for she supposed that some one 
had taken the body away. She did not pay any attention, if she 
heard the words of the angel. But she might not have heard them 
then. 

With a sorrowful heart she left the place, and went as quickly 
as possible to find Peter and John. She told them that the Lord had 
been taken away from the tomb, and that they could not find where 
he had been laid. 

When they heard this, Peter and John ran at once to the tomb; 
but when they reached it, they found things just as Mary had said. 
They saw the linen clothes, and the napkin that had been wrapped 
about his head; but the body was gone. 

All at once they remembered what Jesus had said about rising 
from the dead on the third day, and they believed that his words had 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


293 


been fulfilled. With thankful hearts they hurried back to tell the 
rest of the disciples. 



JESUS REVEALS HIMSELF TO MARY. 

Mary had returned to the tomb as soon as pussible, and she stood 
at the door, weeping. She did not go inside, but she stooped down 
and looked inside. What a sight she saw! There were two beautiful 












294 


FAVORITE STORIES 


angels dressed in white. One was sitting where the head and the 
other where the feet of Jesus had lain. 

They spoke to her and said, “Woman, why weepest thou?” She 
answered, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not 
where they have laid him.” 

Mary did not wait to hear their answer, but turned around toward 
the garden. There she saw a man standing. He asked her the same 
question that the angels had asked. 

Supposing that he was the gardner, she answered his question 
by saying, “Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou 
bast laid him, and I will take him away.” 

This man whom she was speaking to was none other than Jesus 
for whom she was looking; but she did not know him. 

Jesus wanted to say something which would be comforting and 
which would show her that he was not dead, but alive. But one word 
was enough. 

“Mary!” said Jesus. And she knew at once that it was Jesus 
who spoke to her. “Master!” she exclaimed, and threw herself at 
his feet, and worshiped him; but he told her to go and tell the disciples 
that she had seen him. 

o>oxz>*o 

Other Things that Happened. 

Now what do you suppose the soldiers did after they found that 
Jesus had really left the tomb, and that they had no power over him 
any longer? Part of them went to the city, and told the Pharisees all 
that had happened. 

The Pharisees called a meeting at once; and when the matter was 
talked over carefully, they decided that the best thing to do was to 
say very little about what had taken place. 

They told the soldiers that they would pay them a large sum of 
money if they would tell the people a lie. This was that his disciples 
had come to the tomb at night and had stolen the body of Jesus while 
they (the soldiers) were asleep. 


PROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


295 


The soldiers took the money, and did as they had agreed to do. 
And many believed that it was true; that is, the enemies of Jesus be¬ 
lieved it was true, but those who loved him knew very well that the 
soldiers’ report was false. 



THE ANGEL AT THE TOMB. 


In the afternoon of the same day that Jesus rose, two of his dis¬ 
ciples were walking toward the village of Emmaus. This place was 
about six miles from Jerusalem. 

As they walked along, they were very sorrowful. They had heard 



























296 


FAVORITE STORIES 



the report that Mary Magdalene had brought, and then the many 
other reports; but it was so hard to believe that Jesus had really risen. 

As they were trying to decide how the matter could be, a stranger 
caught up with them. This stranger was really Jesus,' but they did 
not recognize him. 


He appeared to be going in the same direction, and he soon began 
to talk with them, and he asked why they were so sad. They were 
surprised that even a stranger had not heard of the death of Jesus; 
but as he did not seem to know, they told him all that had happened. 

The stranger listened to them for some time in silence, and then 
he began to talk to them in a wonderful way. He explained to them 
all that had been written in the Bible about the Messiah, and how, 
long before, the prophets had said he would have to die for the sins 


CHRIST WITH THE TWO DISCIPLES. 









EUOM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


29 7 


of the people. And he said, “ Ought not Christ to have suffered these 
things, and to enter into his glory?” 

By this time they had reached the village of Emmaus, and the 
stranger seemed to be going farther; but the disciples had received 
such comfort from his words that they invited him to remain with 
them over night. 

He yielded to their wishes, and agreed to share their evening meal, 
which they were soon ready to eat. 

Jesus took up the bread, and when he had blessed it, he broke 
it in pieces as he had so often done before, and then it seemed as 
though their eyes were opened. They knew that this stranger was 
really none other than their beloved Master. But just as they realized 
who it was, he vanished from their sight. 

And they remembered how they had enjoyed hearing him talk to 
them on the way, and they rose, and hurried back to Jerusalem to tell 
the other disciples. 

When they reached Jerusalem, they found that the disciples there 
were rejoicing also. Jesus had appeared to Peter, and they were still 
talking about it. As they continued to talk, they suddenly saw that 
Jesus was standing in their midst; and he said, “Peace be unto you.” 

They were at first very much frightened; but Jesus told them not 
to be afraid, but to come and feel his hands and his feet. To convince 
them still more of the reality of his physical resurrection, he ate some 
food in their presence. 

Then they were glad; and Jesus reminded them that he had often 
said these things were going to happen, but that they did not under¬ 
stand them. But now his words were fulfilled, and they could not 
help believing them. 

He told them that they must now go and preach to the people in 
all parts of the world, and tell them to enter the kingdom of God. 
He said that they must begin at Jerusalem, and that every nation in 
the world must hear the good news; and “he that believeth not,” 
Jesus added, “shall be damned.” 

Then he said: “Peace he unto you: as my Father hath sent me, 


298 


FAVORITE STORIES 


even so have I sent you. And these signs shall follow them that be¬ 
lieve; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with 
new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly 
thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and 
they shall recover. ’ ’ 

He then told them to wait there at Jerusalem until they received 
power from on high; for they should receive the Holy Ghost, who 
would guide them, and teach them what to do and say. 

What Thomas Said. 

All the disciples except two had seen Jesus. These were: Judas 
the traitor, who had hanged himself; and Thomas, who was not with 
the others when Jesus came. 

When the other disciples again saw Thomas, they said, “We have 
seen the Lord.” But he would not believe them. He thought they 
must have been mistaken, and he said, 4 ‘Except I shall see in his 
hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the 
nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 

Nothing of importance happened until a week had passed. Then 
while they were all gathered together in a room by themselves, Thomas 
being present this time, Jesus once more appeared in their midst. 
The doors had all been shut as before, and just as suddenly as the 
other time Jesus stood before them, and said, “Peace be unto you.” 

Jesus at once looked over at Thomas, for he knew Thomas had 
doubted what the other disciples had said. Jesus told him to come 
near him, and then said, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my 
hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be 
not faithless, but believing.” Thomas did not doubt any longer, but 
said, “My Lord, and my God!” 

Jesus said, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast be¬ 
lieved: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” 



299 


DOUBTING THOMAS, 





















































































































































300 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The Disciples Go Fishing. 

One evening some time after Thomas had seen Jesus, some of the 
disciples decided to go fishing. Peter was the first to propose it;- 


“iT IS THE LORD.” 

for he said, “I go a fishing.” Six others said they would go with 
him, and it was not long until they were out in a boat upon the Sea 
of Tiberias. 

They had a net to fish with, for in those days that was the principal 
way of fishing. It was not a good night for fishing; and when morn¬ 
ing came, they had caught nothing. 

Just as it began to get light enough to see, they saw a man stand- 














FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


301 


ing on the shore not far from them. He called ont to them, 4 ‘Chil¬ 
dren, have ye any meat?” and they answered, “No.” 

Then the man on the shore said that if they would cast their 
net on the other side of the boat, they would find fish. This they did, 
and they caught so many fish in the net that it seemed ready to break. 

Until then the disciples did not know that it was Jesus who was 
talking to them; but when John saw the multitude of fishes, he said 
to Peter, “It is the Lord.” 

They were not far from the shore, and they landed as quickly 
as possible, dragging the great net of fishes. Peter, however, could 
not wait for the rest; so he jumped into the sea, and swam ashore. 

When they reached the land, they drew out the net, and counted 
their fish. They had one hundred and fifty-three; and though there 
were so many, yet the net was not broken. 

They found a fire of coals, and fish laid upon it, and also some 
bread. And Jesus said for them to come and dine with him. It 
was a solemn meal that they ate. 

When the meal was over, Jesus turned to Peter, and said, “Simon, 
son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” 

Perhaps Jesus wanted to remind him of one evening not very 
long before this, when Peter told Jesus that he loved him so well 
that he would give his life for him if necessary; but when in the mid¬ 
night hour, he, with the rest of the disciples, left their Master in the 
hands of the soldiers. 

But Peter had suffered much on account of his actions then, and 
had been very sorry. He was more humble now, and realized his own 
weakness, and said nothing about loving Jesus more than the other 
disciples did. He only answered, “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I 
love thee.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 

Then, a second time, Jesus asked the same question; and Peter 
answered, “Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.” Jesus said again, 
“Feed my sheep.” 

Once more Jesus asked, the question. Peter was grieved that he 
should think it necessary to ask the question three times; but it was 


302 


FAVORITE STORIES 


three times that Peter had denied Jesus. The third time Peter an¬ 
swered Jesus, he said, “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest 
that I love thee.” And once more Jesus said kindly, “Feed my 
sheep. ’ ’ 

And then he said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou 
wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: 
but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt, stretch for thy hands, and an¬ 
other shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.” 

Jesus was speaking of what was to happen to Peter in the future. 
He had a great work for Peter to do, and he said to him, “Follow me.” 
Three years before, Peter had heard these same words, and he had 
risen, and left all to follow the meek and lowly Jesus. Now again 
he heard the call of his Master, and all through the remainder of 
his life he tried to follow in the footsteps of the Lord, until at the last 
he even gave up his life upon a cross. 

When Peter rose to follow Jesus, after he had listened to what 
the Lord had said concerning his work and death, he noticed one of 
the other disciples following them. This was the one who had always 
been so dear to Jesus on account of his faithfulness and his loving 
acts. Jesus had not just at this time said to the other disciples, 
“Follow me,” and so Peter wondered, and asked what would happen 
to this disciple. In answer Jesus said, “If I will that he tarry till 
I come, what is that to thee ? follow thou me. ’ ’ 

“Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that dis¬ 
ciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, 
If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” 

0 * 0 * 05*0 

Carried up into Heaven. 

After this the eleven disciples went into Galilee to a certain moun¬ 
tain where Jesus had appointed to meet them, and he met them there. 
About five hundred other disciples were there. 

Jesus told them that God had given him all power, both in heaven 



JESUS ASCENDING INTO HEAVEN 


303 





















































304 


FAVORITE STORIES 


and on earth. Once more he told them to go ont and teach people 
everywhere the way to be saved from their Bins, and how to get to 
heaven. 

He commanded them to baptize the people in the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

Jesns told them to teach all that he had taught them, and to re¬ 
member all the things he had commanded them to do; and he promised 
that he would always be with them, even to the end of the world. 

Once after this, Jesus appeared to James, and then to all the 
apostles while they were in Jerusalem. 

The last thing he did was to lead them up on the Mount of Olives 
as far as Bethany. Here, with uplifted hands, he blessed them, after 
which he was carried up into heaven, and a cloud received him out 
of their sight. 

4 ‘And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went 
up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, 
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same 
Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in 
like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. ” 

They were filled with great joy at the thought, and they returned 
to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit. They rejoiced, 
knowing that their Lord had conquered death, and had made it possible 
for every one to be saved from sin and to live a pure and holy life 
here, and then after this world passed away, might dwell with and 
serve God forever. 

c>k^:<>:<3 

The Story of the Apostles. 

After Jesus had ascended into heaven, the disciples all returned 
to Jerusalem to wait there for “the promise of the Father.’’ They 
would often meet in an upper room, where they spent the time in prayer 
and praise to God. 

Often many others met with them, among whom was Mary, the 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


305 


mother of Jesus, and even some of his brethren. They loved to meet 
and wait on the Lord together in earnest prayer. 

One day there were about one hundred and twenty persons in this 
happy company. After they had been together some time Peter stood 
up and began to talk to them. He spoke of one of their number who 
was not with them, and who never would he with them again. That 
was the wicked Judas, who had been a guide to those who took Jesus. 

He also spoke of what had happened at the death of Judas. The 
thing, however, that was most upon his mind was the importance of 
choosing some one to fill this disciple’s place—some one who would 
be ready to go out with them to preach to the people. He quoted 
two verses from the Psalms of King David, where this very thing 
had been spoken of. It was this: 4 4 Let his habitation be desolate, and 
let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric [office] let another take.” 
The first part of this had come to pass in the death and burial-place of 
Judas, and now the last part was to be fulfilled. 

Peter said he believed that the Lord would be pleased to have them 
choose some one of the men who had traveled with them ever since the 
time when John baptized Jesus in the river Jordan until the day he 
ascended into heaven. 

The disciples were willing to do this; so they chose two men— 
Joseph called Barsabas and Matthias. But the disciples wanted God 
to decide which of these two should be the apostle. So when they had 
prayed, they cast lots, and asked God to choose for them. The lot 
fell to Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. 

It was right that they should seek God’s direction in this matter, 
for it was part of God’s work. It is also well for us to look earnestly 
to God for guidance in moral and religious matters, and even in other 
things when we have any duty before us that seems difficult or hard. 
We might think that we knew what was best and right to do, but we 
do not always know. God alone can direct us aright. Therefore let 
us ask him for all the help and wisdom we may need. 


20 


306 


FAVORITE STORIES 


God’s Church. 

The Passover and the day of Pentecost were two seasons kept by 
God’s people at that time in memory of two very important events. 
The first was their deliverance from Egypt, and the second was when 
God gave them the law at Mount Sinai, fifty days afterward. 

God taught his people in those days many deep lessons from the 
things that occurred in their lives from time to time. 

These things were called types, shadows, and figures, meaning 
that they were only as pictures of what was going to take place in the 
future. Many of these types have a very deep meaning for the Chris¬ 
tian to-day, but most of them were hidden until after the death of 
Jesus. 

The way that God delivered his people from the bondage of Egypt 
at the time when the Passover lamb was slain, is a type of the salvation 
that came to the people of God through the death of Jesus, the Lamb 
of God. 

The things received by the children of Israel at Mount Sinai were 
also a type of the blessings and commands that have come to the chil¬ 
dren of God through the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus had promised to send this gift to his true followers. He 
had told them to wait at Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit was given, 
and at last the time had come for Jesus to fulfil his promise. 

Just fifty days had passed since he, as the true passover, had been 
slain, and now the day of Pentecost was fully come. They were all 
together in one place. ‘ ‘ And suddenly there came a sound from heaven 
as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were 
sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of 
fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with 
the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit 
gave them utterance.” 

The Holy Spirit had come to stay with and in the people of God 
until the end of time. 

After the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, fifty days after the 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


307 


first Passover, God taught his people how he wanted them to worship 
him under the old dispensation, or before the birth of Jesus. He 
gave them a real system; that is, he told them.just what laws they 
must observe, and what sacrifices they must offer, as long as they con¬ 
tinued to be a nation. 



RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST. 

They had a sanctuary, or house of God; a priesthood; sacrifices; 
and ordinances, or certain things that they must do. 

Now at the coming of the Holy Spirit from heaven, fifty days after 
the true Passover, God properly set in order the system of worship 
and sacrifice that Christians were to observe until Jesus came to take 
all who love him to his heavenly kingdom, where they will worship 
and serve God forever. 













308 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Under the old testament form of worship, there was a sanctuary, 
or house of God, in which God dwelt among the people. Under the 
new testament there is also a sanctuary, or house of God. It is the 
bodies of all who love Jesus, the Son of God. The Bible explains 
it thus: “Ye are the temple of the living God, as God hath said, I 
will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they 
shall be my people.” 

These Christians form the church, or house of God. No one can 
join this church. They must be born of God to get into it. This, 
you remember, is what Jesus was trying to explain to Nicodemus. 
And then, you remember the story about the sheepfold. Jesus said, 
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” So, 
you see, we get into God’s church through Jesus, the door, when we 
get saved from our sins. Then our names are written by Jesus in his 
Book of Life. After that, there is nothing that is able to take us out 
of God’s church, except sin. 

The old testament priesthood, or body of priests, was a type of 
the new testament priesthood. They offered the sacrifices and gifts 
in the tabernacle and temple of God. 

All the children of God are now a holy priesthood, and Jesus is 
their great high priest. They offer sacrifices to God all ttr time. 
These sacrifices are praise, righteousness, and good works. 

Under the old testament there were certain ordinances connected 
with the worship of God. So, also, under the new testament God has 
told us to keep certain ordinances. Some of these are baptism, the 
Lord’s supper, and feet-washing. 

Well, let us go back to the disciples when the Holy Spirit was 
poured out upon them. There were a great many Jews in Jerusalem 
who had come from other countries to be present at the Passover. 
They spoke many different languages; and so, in order that they might 
hear the gospel, the Holy Spirit gave the gift of tongues to the dis¬ 
ciples, who at once began to preach as the Holy Spirit led them. 


FROM THE NFW TESTAMENT. 


309 


The People are Astonished. 

As the apostles continued to preach, the news was spreading rapid¬ 
ly, and a multitude soon were listening to their words. 

They were astonished at the way the apostles explained the Bible; 
but the part which surprised them most was that they could all under¬ 
stand what they heard, for each one heard the truth explained in his 
own language. 

Many knew the apostles, and that most of them had never been 
at school much in their lives. For this reason they knew that God 
must be giving them the words, and they could not help believing what 
they heard. 

Of course there were some who said things about the disciples 
that were not true. They even said that the disciples had drunk too 
much wine, and that they did not realize what they were saying. 

But Peter stood up and told them that these men were not drunken 
as they supposed, for men did not get drunk so early in the morning; 
but that God had sent down his Holy Spirit, as he had promised. 

Peter then explained to them about Jesus of Nazareth, who had 
worked so manj miracles among them. And he reminded them of how 
shamefully they had treated Jesus, and had even crucified him. 

This same Jesus, Peter said, God had raised up, and he was now 
sitting on a throne up in heaven. This Jesus had made known the 
ways of life, and now he had given them power to go out and tell the 
people everywhere how to get saved and be prepared to live with him 
in the next world, or heaven. 

c>:*o>o*cd 

Telling the Glad News. 

Many were glad when they heard the words spoken by the apostles 
on the day of Pentecost; for they could understand now that Jesus 
was the Savior for whom they had been looking. 

Many things that were said, however, brought sadness to their 


310 


FAVORITE STORIES 


hearts; for they remembered how Jesus had been treated such a short 
time before. Some were so sorry that they came up and asked what 
they should have to do in order to he forgiven. 

Peter answered, “Bepent, and he baptized every one of you in 
the name of Jesus Christ.” Then God, he said, would forgive them, 
and also give them the gift of the Holy Spirit, as he had to the dis¬ 
ciples ; for it was promised not only to them, hut to their children after 
them, and to all who afterwards would believe. 

There was a great work done for God that day. About three 
thousand people believed on account of what they had seen and heard. 

When this great meeting had ended, the disciples went out among 
the people, and visited many homes. They explained all about Jesus— 
that he was the Savior for whom they were looking—and many were 
glad, and believed that the things which they heard were true. 

A Great Case of Healing. 

One day as Peter and John were going up to the temple, they saw 
a man lying near the gate that was called Beautiful. This man had 
been lame all his life, and he was now past forty years of age. He 
was so poor that he had to live on what people kindly gave him. For 
this reason all knew him as a beggar. 

But this poor man had friends, and every day they carried him 
up to the gate of the temple, where he could ask alms of the people. 

As Peter and John were passing him, he asked help from them; 
but he expected that they would give him money. Peter stopped as 
he was passing the lame man, and looking straight into his eyes, said, 
4 ‘ Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the 
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” 

Now the man had been born with weak bones in his ankles and 
feet. He had never been able to stand; but when Peter said “Arise,” 
he took hold of the lame man’s hand, and the weak ankle-bones became 
strong, and he, leaping up, stood, and walked, and entered with them 
into the temple. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


311 


A great many people were already in the temple; and when they 
saw what had happened, they were astonished. Those who were not 
close enough to see him healed, knew that he who was leaping and 
praising God in the temple was the same person that had so often 
begged money of them. 

Then they looked at Peter and John, thinking they were very great 
men, because of the lame man’s healing. But Peter and John did 
not want to be praised; for they knew that Jesus had done the healing, 
and they wanted him to receive the praise. So they said: “Ye men of 
Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as 
though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our 
fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and 
denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let 
him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a 
murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom 
God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name 
through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see 
and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect 
soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I wot 
[know] that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But 
those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his 
prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.’’ Acts 3: 12-18. 

Peter then urged the people to repent of their sins, and be con¬ 
verted, that God might not remember against them the cruel treatment 
of his Son. 

C3*C>KZ>KZ> 

The Wonderful Name of Jesus. 

You remember, I told you of some people who were called Sad- 
ducees. They, together with the Pharisees, had been the most bitter 
enemies of Jesus. 

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead; 
and so when they heard Peter say that Jesus had risen from the dead, 
they became very angry. 


312 


FAVORITE STORIES 


It was nearly night, but they took both Peter and John to prison. 
There they were left until the next morning, when they were brought be¬ 
fore the high priest. 

Peter and John were not at all discouraged; for Jesus had told 
them that they would have to sutler many things, and this was only 
the beginning. 

Peter had shrunk from suffering a few weeks before—had even 
denied his Master! Not so now. He boldly stood and answered all 
questions; for the high priest had asked him, who had given him power 
to heal. 

Peter said that if it was for the healing of the poor lame man that 
they must answer, he would tell them plainly that by the name of 
Jesus Christ, whom they had crucified, these things had been done. 
Jesus, Peter told them, was the stone which they had tried to destroy, 
but he had become the head of the corner. 

By this, Peter meant that God would give salvation only to those 
who came to him in the name of Jesus, his Son. All other blessings, 
too, were now to be received in the same way. That is why, children, 
we must always say “for Jesus’ sake” or “in Jesus’ name” when we 
pray and ask God for any blessing. These words are often only a 
form to some people, but we should 'feel in our hearts what we say. 

When the high priest and rulers of the city saw how boldly these 
two disciples stood up and answered their questions, they were sur¬ 
prised. And, too, they could not help seeing that a great miracle had 
been done on the lame man; but they were determined not to believe in 
Jesus themselves, and they intended to do all they could to keep others 
from believing. 

Such hatred was in their hearts that they would have enjoyed 
punishing Peter and John; but this they did not dare to do, on account 
of the people who had seen the miracle. 

They at last decided that perhaps if they would threaten the dis¬ 
ciples, and tell them not to preach in the name of Jesus, the trouble 
might be stopped. This was done; but Peter and John were as bold 
as ever, and they said: “Whether it be right in the sight of God to 


FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


313 


hearken unto yon more than unto God, judge ye? We can not but 
speak the things which we have seen and heard.’ ’ God had told them 
to speak, and they were going to obey. 

But as the judges could find against them nothing for which they 
could be punished, they threatened them again, and then let them go. 

Peter and John hurried home to their friends, and told them all 
that had happened during the night and in the morning. And then 
they all got down to pray, and to thank God for his wonderful goodness 
and blessings. 

They ended their prayer by asking God to give them even greater 
boldness, and to help them to speak all the things that he wished them 
to speak. They asked him to show his power by healing the sick and 
by working many miracles, and to help them always to tell the people 
that the work was done in the name of Jesus. 

God answered their prayer by shaking the place, and by filling 
them with more power and boldness to preach his word. 

OK>JO^O 

Selling Their Possessions. 

A great many people believed in Jesus now. Three thousand had 
turned to him after Peter’s first sermon on the day of Pentecost, and 
five thousand had believed after Peter’s second sermon in the temple. 
This made eight thousand people—quite a multitude. They were all 
very happy. Those who were rich gave to the poor, and all shared 
alike. 

One rich man, named Barnabas, sold his land, and brought the 
money and laid it at the apostles’ feet, to be used as they thought best. 
Barnabas was a good man, and you will soon hear more about him; 
but first I will tell you about a man who was a believer, but who was 
not so good. 

You see, some of these believers could not help believing, because 
of the many miracles that had been done among them. They wanted 
to get to heaven when they died, but they were not willing to sacrifice 
all they had in this life. 


314 


FAVORITE STORIES 


God wants his people to be willing to give up everything they may 
have in this life if he asks them to do so. In some cases he may 
ask them to do this, and if he does, they should do it willingly, as did 
Barnabas. 



SHARING THEIR POSSESSIONS. ** 

Now I will tell you about the other man. His name was Ananias. 
He saw the great work that was going on, and felt a.desire to do some¬ 
thing to help it. His desire must have been to seem as generous as 
Barnabas, and to get the people to praise him. 

It seems he sold his land, but afterward did rot like to part with 
all the money. So he and his wife, whose name was Sapphira, agreed 
to keep part of the price. He then took the rest, and laid it at the 
apostles ’ feet as if it had been all he had. 


























































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


315 


What happened them? Do yon think the apostles knew what 
Ananias had done? They did know, for God told them. 

So when Ananias laid down the money, how surprised he must 
have been to hear Peter say, “ Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine 
heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of 
the land?” And Peter went on to say that the land and money had 
all belonged to Ananias, and that it had been in his power to use it as he 
thought best; but that when he had decided to deceive God’s people, by 
pretending to give all his money and then not doing so, he had lied 
to God, and not to them. 

As soon as Ananias heard Peter’s words, he fell down dead. Some 
young meh took his body and wrapped it in linen cloths, and took it 
out and buried it. When the people saw what had happened to Ananias, 
they were filled with fear, and they realized what a terrible thing 
it was to try to deceive God. 

OK>00 

Another Sudden Death. 

Sapphira did not know what had happened to her husband, and 
she was not frightened. She knew what they had decided to say if 
asked any questions; for it would take away so much of the praise if 
the apostles knew they had given only part. 

About three hours after her husband’s death she came in. Per¬ 
haps she was expecting to be thanked and praised, but she was not 
expecting what came. 

Peter wanted to test her, to see if she, too, would try to deceive 
the Lord. He said, “Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much?” 
And she answered, “Yea, for so much.” Then Peter asked her why 
she had agreed with her husband to tell this lie and tempt the Spirit 
of the Lord. He told her what had just a short time before happened to 
her husband, and said that the same thing was going to happen to her. 

When Peter said this, Sapphira fell down dead; and the young 
men who had just returned from burying her husband buried her also. 


316 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The people who had been so frightened over the death of Ananias 
were now still more frightened. 

Children, let this little story ever he a warning to you. Speak 
the truth, no matter how much you are tempted to do otherwise. 

There are different kinds of lies. Some are very innocent in 
appearance. There are others so small that we wonder why they are 
uttered at all. Then, there are others that are spoken when the 
truth would serve the same purpose a thousand times better. These 
are the kind of lies that are generally spoken by polite or society 
people. 

Such lies as these are not thought to amount to much, for they are 
not spoken to do any one harm. But they do amount to a great deal 
in God’s sight. God wants every one to speak the truth at all times. 

Another thing, God keeps a record of all the lies, small or great, 
that are spoken. 

Although every one does not die suddenly, as did Ananias and 
Sapphira, yet they will die some time, and will have to meet God. 
They will hear him read off all their deeds, both good and bad. In 
this way, God will know where each one belongs—on his right hand, 
or on his left. 

But, children, if at some time you have told things which were 
not true, do not think that God does not love you. He loves you just 
as much as he ever did; and if you will go to him as the prodigal 
son went to his father, you will find he will forgive you, and blot out 
everything he had in his book against you. He will never remember 
these things again, and you can begin to live a new life from that 
moment. 

But if you ever do anything wrong after that, God will keep a 
record of it until you are sorry and ask him to forgive you. 




\ 

















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































318 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The Doors of the Prison Opened. 

After the sudden death of Ananias and his wife, the work of the 
Lord went on rapidly; and the people looked upon Peter almost as 
they had upon Jesus a short time before, for many were being healed. 
But Peter was very careful to tell them often that they must give 
Jesus the praise for everything that was done. 

People from all parts of the country came to be healed, and there 
were so many that Peter could not lay his hands on them all. Some 
were brought and laid upon beds or couches in such a way that the 
shadow of Peter while passing would fall upon them. 

When the high priest and the Sadducees saw what a multitude 
was following the apostles, and also knew that no such miracles had 
ever been done by any one else, except Jesus, they decided that it 
would never do to let these men go on in this way. So once more 
they were taken to prison. But they were not to stay in this prison 
long, not even one whole night. An angel came while it was still 
dark, and let them out. 

When the angel opened the doors, he said, “Go, stand and speak 
in the temple to the people all the words of this life. ” So, as soon 
as it was light, they went to the temple and began to preach as usual. 

They may have had time to go and tell their friends of the angel, 
and how he had delivered them; but whether they did so or not, the 
high priest knew nothing of their escape from prison until the next 
morning. 

The next morning when the council met to decide what to do 
with their prisoners, they sent officers to the prison to bring them. 
What a surprise was awaiting them! Their prisoners were gone. 
The doors were locked, and the keepers of the prison standing before 
them; but when they went inside, they could not find any one. 

They hurried back and told the high priest and the judges that 
they could not find the prisoners. The judges were very much aston¬ 
ished. They could not think what had become of the apostles, and 
they were very much worried over the matter. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


319 


While they were trying to decide what to do, some one entered, 
and said, “Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in 
the temple, and teaching the people.” This was another surprise. 

Officers went at once to bring the apostles before the council; 
but these officers did not dare to he rough with them, for fear of 
being stoned. 

As soon as the high priest saw the apostles, he said, “Did not 
we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?” 
And he said that the apostles had not only disobeyed him m that, but 
were tilling the minds of all the people in Jerusalem with the idea 
that the council was guilty of killing Jesus. 

The apostles were not frightened, and Peter answered, “We ought 
to obey God rather than men”; and he told them why they dared to 
preach in the name of Jesus. 

The judges became so angry that they would have been glad to do 
anything to the apostles, and they tried to get something against them 
that would make them worthy of death. 

CD*KZ>><0*CD 

GamaliePs Advice. 

Among the judges was a man who was very wise, and whom all 
the people greatly respected. This man’s name was Gamaliel. When 
he saw how things were going, he had the apostles sent out, and then 
he told the council what he thought was the best thing to do. 

He warned them against doing anything in a hurry, and reminded 
them of certain men that had been in their city before. The name of 
one was Theudas, and the other, Judas of Galilee. Each of these 
men had pretended to be some one great; but both had been slain, and 
their work had come to naught. 

And he said that it would be the same with these men if their 
works were not of God, and that if the work they were engaged in was 
of God, nothing could stop it. 

This was good advice, and they all agreed to do as Gamaliel had 


320 


FAVORITE STORIES 


said. But before letting the apostles go, they heat them, and warned 
them not to speak any more in the name of Jesns. 

The apostles did not mind the heating, hnt were glad that God 
counted them worthy to suffer shame for his name’s sake. Every 
day they went into the temple, and there preached the many wonderful 
things that Jesus had taught them. The sick and suffering were healed, 
and many people became not only believers, hut real disciples of Jesus. 

Because the Twelve had to be out teaching the people so much, 
it was decided best to appoint seven good men to stay at home and 
attend to things there. Stephen and Philip were among the seven 
that were chosen, and they were called deacons. Now there was a 
Philip among the apostles, and one among the deacons. 

CD*XZ>I<I>frC> 

Stephen. 

Stephen was a good man, full of faith and power. He did many 
wonderful works and miracles among the people, but the enemies of 
Jesus hated him. 

Many wise men came to Stephen to dispute or argue with him; 
but when they heard his many wise words, they were surprised, and 
they wondered where his wisdom came from. 

At last, wishing to bring him before the council, they paid some 
men to tell lies about him and say that he had spoken against Moses 
and against God. When the people heard the lies these men told, 
tile/ believed them, and went and caught Stephen, and brought him 
before the council. 

False witnesses then came in, who said they had heard Stephen 
say that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy their city, and change the 
customs of Moses; but they had twisted the meaning of Stephen’s 
words. He had never said that Jesus was going to destroy Jerusalem, 
but that he had prophesied'it would be destroyed. The Romans were 
going to do it, and God was going to let them because of the wicked 
unbelief of the Jews. God himself had brought in the Christian dis¬ 
pensation, and the old religious customs were soon to pass away. 



STEPHEN BEFORE THE COUNCIL 





































































































































































































































































































































































































































322 


FAVORITE STORIES 



After these things had been spoken, the judges all looked at 
Stephen, and they were surprised to see that his face shone like the 
face of an angel, it was so bright and glorious. But this did not 
cause the wicked judges to change their plans. 

The high priest asked Stephen if these things were true. In an¬ 
swer, Stephen made a long speech. He began away back when God 


MARTYRDOM OP ST. STEPHEN. 

called Abraham out of the land of the Chaldseans, and then traced 
God’s people down to the time of Jesus. He reminded them of Moses’ 
words when he said, “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a 
Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren,” and of the many 
things that had been written concerning the way the Son of God would 
be treated. And then he told them that many of these things had taken 
place, and that although they had the law of Moses they did not keep it. 









FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


323 


When the judges heard this they became so angry that they gnashed 
upon Stephen with their teeth. They were like devils, but he was 
like an angel. 

Stephen lifted up his eyes toward heaven and saw the glory of 
God; for he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of 
man standing on the right hand of God.” 

The angry mob could not stand to hear Stephen talk thus, and 
they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears that they 
might not hear his words. Then with one accord they cast Stephen 
out of the city, and threw stones at him until he died. 

But God helped Stephen to bear all this terrible suffering, and 
he did not speak an unkind word. Instead he said, “Lord, lay not 
this sin to their charge”; and with these words he breathed his last. 

This was the death of the first martyr, but it was not the last. 
There arose great persecution against the church at Jerusalem. Many 
of God’s people were put in prison, and the believers were scattered 
far and wide. But although they were suffering so much persecu¬ 
tion, they were brave, and spoke boldly the words they had learned 
of Jesus. 

Among those who had consented to have Stephen murdered, was 
a young man named Saul. This man did much harm to God’s people 
in many ways after that, but you will hear of him later. 

When the murderers of Stephen were gone, good men came, took 
his poor bruised body, and buried it. Many tears were shed, but 
Stephen did not feel any suffering now. He was happy; he h&d 
gone to be with Jesus. 

Philip Preaching in Samaria. 

One day Philip, who was one of the seven deacons, went up into 
the country of Samaria to preach to the people there. Many of 
them were glad when they heard the words of Philip, and saw the many 
miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with loud 


324 


FAVORITE STORIES 


voices, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were 
sick and lame were healed. 

When the people saw what wonders Philip was doing, they be¬ 
lieved what he said about Jesus, and many accepted Jesus as their 
Savior. For this reason there was great joy in that city. 

Among those who believed Philip’s teaching was a very wicked 
man, who had made his living by deceiving the people. This man 
had pretended to be some great person, and by telling lies and playing 
deceitful tricks, he caused many people to believe that he was what he 
pretended to be. Although he became to all appearance a believer in 
Jesus Christ, and was even baptized, yet his heart was not right in 
God’s sight. Perhaps it was the many miracles which Philip did 
that had caused him to believe. The Bible says he wondered how 
they had been done, and longed to possess this same power himself. 
He was no longei considered a great man among the people. 

Now, when the apostles heard the good news, that Samaria was 
full of believers, they sent Peter and John to help Philip teach the 
people. When these two apostles came to Samaria, they found a 
great many people who believed in Jesus Christ, and who had been 
baptized in his name, but none who had received the Holy Ghost. 

As soon as these two apostles came, they saw that the Holy Ghost 
had not been received, and so they prayed, and laid their hands upon 
some of them, and God sent his gift, the Holy Spirit. 

When Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands 
the Holy Ghost was given, he thought that was just what he wanted; 
but he thought that he could buy the power, and that by using it he 
could soon become very rich. So he offered the apostles money if they 
would give it to him. 

The apostles were grieved when they heard Simon say this, for 
the gift of God could not be bought with money. Peter’s answer 
was severe. Wanting to show Simon that God understood the hearts 
of men, he said: “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast 
thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou 
hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in 


PROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


325 


the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray 
God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may he forgiven thee. 
For I perceive that thon art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond 
of iniquity.” 

When Simon heard the words of Peter, he was frightened, and 
he said, “Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which 
ye have spoken come upon me.” 

Simon asked to be forgiven only that he might not be punished. 
He had never really repented of his sins. He loved money and the 
praise of men, and he was really a hypocrite. 

Peter and John did not remain long in Samaria, but returned to 
Jerusalem. Philip did not go with them, neither did he remain in 
Samaria. God had a great work for Philip, and he sent him toward 
Gaza. This place was about forty-five miles from Jerusalem, and 
was on the road which led down to Egypt. 

o*kz>:<d*<o 

The Stranger Philip Met. 

Perhaps Philip was surprised when an angel spoke to him, saying, 
“Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from 
Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.” But if he was, it did not 
hinder his obeying; for he arose and went at once. 

As he was walking along, he saw at a short distance ahead of him 
a handsome chariot or carriage. Within it sat a man who was a great 
lord, from the country of Ethiopia. This country was on the other 
side of Egypt, in Africa, and was a long distance from Jerusalem. 

The man in the chariot was an official in the service of the Queen 
of Ethiopia. He had charge of all her treasures. He had gone up 
to Jerusalem to worship God, and he was now returning home. 

As he rode along he read from his Bible. The place where he 
was reading was in the book of Isaiah; but he could not understand 
the meaning of what he read. 

The Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and join thyself to this 


326 


FAVORITE STORIES 


chariot”; and Philip obeyed. He even ran, and as he came near 
the chariot, he heard the treasurer reading aloud. Philip asked him 
whether he understood what he was reading, and he answered, “How 
can I, except some man should guide me?” The stranger might have 
taken this question in a different way if his heart had been full of 
pride; but it was not. He was even anxious to have explained what 
he had just read. 

Something about Philip must have given the treasurer a feeling 
that he had found some one who could explain the Scripture, for he 
invited Philip to ride with him in the chariot. Philip accepted the 
invitation at once, and while sitting there, showed the rich man the 
meaning of the words. 

The verse that Philip explained was this: “He was led as a 
sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so 
opened he not his mouth. In his humiliation his judgment was taken 
away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from 
the earth.” Philip told him that the prophet meant Jesus of Nazareth, 
who was the Lamb of God, and who had lately been crucified at 
Jerusalem. 

The treasurer listened quietly to all of Philip’s words, and they 
made a deep impression upon his heart. Just then they came to a 
place where there was water, and he asked Philip what would hinder 
his being baptized the same as those he had been hearing about. 

Philip answered, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou 
mayest”; and the treasurer said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the 
Son of God.” That was enough. They got down out of the chariot, 
and Philip baptized him. “And wdien they were come up out of the 
water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw 
him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was 
found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, 
till he came to Caesarea. ’ 9 Acts 8: 39, 40. 

The man from Ethiopia must have been sorry to lose his teacher. 
Still, he had heard joyful news, and had found out who the Savior 
was; and he returned to his home with a happy heart. He was now 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 327 

able to teach Queen Candace and all her people, and to spread in 
Africa the news about Jesus. 

c d>:<d*o*o 

The Story of Saul. 

All the time that Philip was away, the disciples in Jerusalem 
were suffering terribly. Saul, the young man who had taken part 
in the death of Stephen, was now doing all he could to destroy the 
people who loved Jesus. 

Saul was really not a bad young man, for he thought he was doing 
right in ill-treating believers in Jesus. He believed that Jesus was 
a deceiver, and not the Son of God, and this was his reason for acting 
as he did. 

It was not enough, he thought, to punish only those living in 
Jerusalem; for he could see that the number of believers were in¬ 
creasing every day in the other cities also. So he decided to go 
to the high priest and get permission to go into any city he chose, 
even as far north as Damascus. 

The high priest was very glad to give his consent, and Saul started 
out on his long journey at once. The high priest had given Saul 
letters, and Saul meant to show them to the rulers among the Jews, 
to prove his right to bind and punish the believers. It was a long 
journey, but Saul did not mind that. 

As he was traveling along with several other men, such a strange 
thing happened. All at once there was a bright light from heaven, 
far brighter than the sun, shining all around Saul. 

The travelers were all astonished, and they trembled with fear; 
but Saul fell upon the ground. Then he Jieard a voice from heaven, 
saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” Saul answered, 
“Who art thou, Lord?” and the voice replied, “I am Jesus whom 
thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” 

Saul was still trembling, but he said, “Lord, what wilt thou have 
me to do?” The voice replied, “Arise, and go into the city, and 
it shall be told thee what thou must do.” 


328 


FAVORITE STORIES 


All this time the men who were with Saul had not spoken a word. 
They had heard the sound of the voice, but they could not see any one, 
neither did they understand the words. 

When Saul rose from the ground, he was blind. The great light 
had made him so that he could not see. But those who were with 
Saul could see, and they took him by the hand, and led him to Damascus 
to the house of a man named Judas. 

What must have been Saul’s feelings now? Surely he must have 
thought of the many cruel and wicked deeds he had committed in 
causing Jesus and his disciples such suffering. 

When Saul arrived at Damascus, he sat down, and for three days 
he refused to eat or drink. While in this sorrowful and wretched 
condition, God gave him a dream. He seemed to see a man named 
Ananias coming toward him. He seemed to come up to Saul, to 
put his hands upon him, and to say, 4 4 Receive thy sight. ’ ’ 

Ananias’ Dream. 

You have read the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who pretended 
to give all they had to the work of the Lord, and have read that they 
could not deceive God’s people; but the Ananias that we now wish to 
talk about was a very different man. 

This Ananias loved God with all his heart, and believed that Jesus 
was the Son of God. He did not believe this simply because some 
others had said so; but Jesus had really become his Savior, and he 
loved him sincerely. 

God spoke to Ananias % in a dream or vision about the same time 
he gave the dream to Saul. The Lord said to him, 4 4 Arise, and go 
into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of 
Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth.” 

How surprised Ananias must have been when he learned this! for 
he had heard much about this Saul of Tarsus, and of the terrible 
suffering he had brought upon God’s people. Perhaps he knew why 



THE CONVERSION OF SAUL. 




329 



















































































































































































330 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Saul had started to Damascus—but now Saul was praying! Ananias 
could hardly believe that so great a change had come over Saul. But 
God continued to talk with him, and said that Saul, also, had dreamed, 
and had even seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his 
hand on his eyes that he might receive his sight. For Saul, the 
Lord said, had been chosen to tell many people about Jesus, the Savior 
of the world. He would preach to the Gentiles, to kings, and to the 
children of Israel; and he would have to suffer many things for the 
name of Jesus. 

Ananias did not wait any longer when he heard all this. He went 
to Straight Street, and entered the house of Judas; and there sat 
Saul, as he had seen him in his dream. Saul could not see Ananias, 
but he heard him say, “ Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that 
appeared unto thee in the way as thou earnest, hath sent me, that thou 
mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’’ 

Then, when Ananias laid his hands upon Saul’s eyes, something 
like scales fell from them, and Saul could see. As soon as he was 
baptized, he ate some food, and his strength returned, and he went 
to stay for a while with the disciples that were in Damascus. 

As soon as possible, he went to the synagogues and preached that 
Jesus was the Son of God. 

The news about Saul soon spread, and many came to hear him 
preach of Jesus. When they heard his words, they were astonished, 
and said, ‘ ‘ Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name 
in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them 
bound unto the chief priests?” 

Then some tried to kill him; but he was bold, and he continued to 
preach to them as long as they would listen. 

Soldiers Try to Kill Saul. 

Saul stayed a long time in Damascus, and he was loved by all 
those in that city who believed in Jesus. The very ones whom he 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


331 


had expected to cast into prison were now his dearest friends. 

As Saul continued to preach to the people, they became more and 
more angry wjth him, and tried to plan how they might kill him. 
When they had gained permission from the governor to take Saul’s 
life, soldiers were placed at all the gates of the city. 

When Saul learned this, he thought he would leave Damascus, and 
go back to Jerusalem. He knew how carefully the gates were watched; 
so the disciples let him down by night through an opening in the wall 
of the city, letting him down in a basket; and he escaped from the 
Jews that wished to kill him. 

He was soon on his way back to Jerusalem. How differently he 
felt now from the way he felt the day he came to Damascus. Then 
his heart was so full of hatred and anger, but now it was full of 
love and peace. He longed to see the disciples whom he had caused 
so much suffering in Jerusalem, and to tell them how sorry he was. 
Then he had hated Jesus, and his best friends were the priests and 
those who would help him in his wicked ways. Now they were his 
most bitter enemies, and he loved Jesus more than his own life. How 
happy and thankful he must have felt as he walked along! 

As soon as he reached Jerusalem, he inquired for the disciples. 
When they heard that Saul had come, they were afraid that he had 
come to do them harm. They had not heard of the great change that 
had come into his life, and they remembered his cruel treatment in 
the past. 

One of them, however, had a very kind and loving heart, and he 
went to Saul and listened carefully to all he had to say. This was 
Barnabas, of whom we spoke before. He believed that what Saul 
said was true. After this, it did not take the others long to have 
confidence in Saul, and they soon saw that what he said was really true. 

But Saul’s life was now in great danger, and he could not stay 
long in Jerusalem. He soon left for Caesarea, and from that place 
he went to Tarsus, where he was born. But wherever he went, he 
told the people about Jesus. 


332 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Peter at Lydda and Joppa. 

While Saul was taking the good news about Jesus to his old home, 
the other disciples were all very busy preaching salvation to the 
people. 

At one time Peter visited the town of Lydda. This was a village 
not very far from Jerusalem. There he found a man that was sick 
with a disease called the palsy. This man, whose name was Eneas, 
had not been able to walk any for eight years. 

When Peter saw the man in this helpless condition, he went to him, 
and said, “Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make 
thy bed.” Eneas rose as soon as Peter said this, and made his bed. 
Many saw the man, and knew what a miracle had been done, and they 
turned to the Lord on account of it. 

While Peter was still in Lydda, two men came to him with sad 
news. 

They were from the town of Joppa, which was close to Lydda, 
and had heard of the great work Peter was doing. 

The news they brought was that a good woman who had spent 
all her time in making garments for poor people was dead. 

When Peter heard this, he went at once to Joppa. There the 
saints led him to an upper room, where he found many widows and 
poor people weeping over the dead body of the woman who had been 
so good to them. 

It was very hard for them to give her up, and they showed Peter 
many coats and garments that she had made while she was yet with 
them. They loved Dorcas very much for spending her time in work¬ 
ing for them. 

Before Peter knelt in prayer, he sent every one out of the room. 
He wanted to he quiet, and alone with God. 

Then when he had prayed, he turned to the body of Dorcas and 
commanded her to rise. She opened her eyes and saw Peter. Then, 
at his command, she rose and greeted her friends, who were now 
allowed to enter the room. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


333 


It certainly was a happy time, for God worked it all out to his 
glory, and it caused many sinners to turn to the Lord. 

o*c>jo*o 

Peter’s Vision. 

Peter remained in Joppa a long time. While there he lived with 
a man called Simon. This Simon was a tanner by trade; that is, he 
made his living by making skins into leather. His home was near 
the seashore. 

Peter often went up on the roof of Simon’s house to pray. One 
day while he was up there, he had a very strange vision. He had 
not, it seems, eaten anything for some time, but he had left orders 
with the servants to prepare his dinner as soon as possible. It was 
while he was waiting for his meal that he saw this strange sight. 

He thought he saw the sky open, and then a large square sheet 
seemed to be let down before him. The sheet was full of all kinds 
of animals and birds and creeping things. How strange they must 
have looked, all there together in the sheet! 

Then Peter heard a voice saying, 11 Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.” 
Peter was surprised when he heard this command, for God had strictly 
commanded the Jews to be careful about what they ate. In the sheet 
were both animals and birds that Peter had never dared to eat, be¬ 
cause they were forbidden in the book of laws which governed the Jew. 

So in answer, Peter said, “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten 
anything that is common or unclean.” The voice from heaven re¬ 
plied, “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” Three 
times the voice said these words, and then the sheet of animals was 
taken up into heaven. 

The vision seemed very strange, and Peter could not help think¬ 
ing about it after he came to himself. But God did not long keep 
him in doubt as to its meaning. 

There was living in Caesarea a man named Cornelius. This man 
tried to live just as he thought God would like to have him live; but 


334 


FAVORITE STORIES 



there were many things that he did not understand, and he longed 
for some one to come and teach him. 

Cornelius was a Roman, and captain over one hundred Italian 
soldiers that were stationed at Caesarea. Although he was a Gentile, 
yet he was a very devout man, and was also a believer in the fact the 
Jesus was the great Prophet and Messiah of God. He had heard about 


peter's strange vision. 

Jesus’ preaching and healing (Acts 10: 36-38); but there were some 
things concerning him and his wonderful salvation that he had not 
yet heard or experienced. 

One day as he was praying, an angel told him to send some of his 
servants to Joppa, and ask Peter to come to his house and teach him 
about Jesus. The servants were at once called and sent. 





















FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


335 


Now about the time that Peter was studying over his dream, and 
trying to understand its meaning, three men came to the gate in front 
of Simon’s house and inquired for Peter. At the same time, the 
Spirit of the Lord spoke to Peter, saying: ‘ 4 Behold, three men seek 
thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubt¬ 
ing nothing: for I have sent them.” 

Peter needed no further message to go. He went down to the 
men, and said, “Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause 
wherefore ye are come?” 

Then the three men replied that their master, Cornelius the cen¬ 
turion, had sent them to him with this message, that a holy angel had 
told him to send for Peter to come to his house, and Peter would 
explain to him the things that he could not understand about Jesus. 

Peter soon found that the men were servants of Cornelius, and 
that Cornelius was not a Jew, neither were the servants, but that he 
was considered a good man by the Jews. 

How easy it was now to understand what the vision upon the 
housetop meant. Peter invited the three men to come into the house 
and remain until morning. 

o*okz>*o 

Peter at Caesarea. 

Vekly early in the morning Peter invited some of his friends to 
go with him to Caesarea. He no doubt told them about the wonderful 
vision and of all the strange things that had taken place. And perhaps 
they spoke about some of the things Jesus had said while he was upon 
the earth—about the Gentiles having the gospel preached to them. 

Caesarea was a beautiful city, for the Roman king had taken much 
pains to have everything about it as nice as possible. It was quite 
a long journey from Joppa; and though they started as soon as possible 
in the morning, yet they did not arrive there until the next day. 

They went at once to the home of Cornelius, and found that he 
was expecting them, and had invited his relatives and nearest friends 
to come to his house that day. 


336 


FAVORITE STORIES 


When Peter entered the city, Cornelius met him, fell down at 
his feet, and worshiped him. Peter at once stooped down and lifted 
him up, saying, ‘‘Stand up; I myself also am a man.” 

Then as Peter was led into the house and saw how many people 
were there, and all of them Gentiles, he could see why God had given 
him the vision a short time before. 

He then told them that to meet with a company of Gentiles like 
that was something that he would not have dared to do before; but 
that God had warned him not to call any person common or unclean, 
for Jesus had shed his blood for all. 

Then turning to Cornelius, he asked why he had been sent foi 
Cornelius told what the angel had said to him four days before while 
he was fasting and praying. 

How glad Peter was when he heard the words of Cornelius! He 
said he now believed that God did not think any more of the Jews 
than he did of other nations; that the persons whom God loved best 
were those who would obey him and do his will. 

Peter preached to these people who were so eager to hear him, 
telling them many wonderful things about God and about the plan 
of salvation. He finished his sermon by telling them that any who 
would believe that Jesus had died to save them could be saved from 
their sins. 

He explained everything so simply that all these people under¬ 
stood his words. How glad they were they could be saved as well 
as the Jews! 

And Gien God gave these believing Gentiles the gift of the Holy 
Ghost, just as he had to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Many 
of them spoke in different languages, and praised God for his goodness. 

When Peter saw that God had accepted these Gentiles in Caesarea, 
he knew that they ought to be baptized. So he had them baptized. 

God showed by this event that he makes no difference between 
Jews and Gentiles, when they believe in Jesus. 

Peter remained with Cornelius many days; for there were so 
many things that the saints needed to be taught; but after a while he 
returned to Jerusalem, 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


337 


A Misunderstanding. 

When some of the brethren at Jerusalem heard that Peter had 
been up to Caesarea preaching to the Gentiles, they did not understand 
what it meant. They felt that he had done wrong, and told him so. 

But Peter was patient and humble. He told them of the whole 
matter, beginning at the time when he was in Joppa at Simon’s house. 
He told them all about his vision—how he had seen descending from 
heaven the sheet full of all kinds of animals, and how that God had 
said he must not call common or unclean anything that had been 
cleansed. Peter also told them about the three men who had come 
for him to go to Caesarea, and how that, besides all this, the Spirit 
had said, “Go with them, doubting nothing.” 

Peter further explained that an angel had spoken to Cornelius, 
telling him of his coming, and all that had happened afterward. 

When those who had been objecting to what Peter had done, heard 
all these things, they praised God, and said it must be true that salva¬ 
tion was for the Gentiles as well as for the Jews. And ever since 
that time it has been plain that God makes no difference between them. 

It was about this time when people began to call those who believed 
in Jesus by the name of Christians. 

The cruel hatred of the Jews increased so fast that Christians 
everywhere had to suffer awful persecution. Many were killed be¬ 
cause they said that Jesus was God’s Son, but they were brave, and 
endured all suffering for his sake. 

And Jesus helped them to bear it, as he does his dear people to¬ 
day. 0 children, it is so precious to have Jesus to help us. We may 
look around and see those who do not love Jesus as we do, and they 
may sometimes seem to have an easier time than we do; hut oh! 
they haven’t the sweet comforting peace that fills every Christian’s 
heart. 

When they pass through a trial, Jesus does not help them. Why? 
Because they will not let him. Oh, let all who read these words see 
that they have accepted Jesus as their Savior! 


338 FAVORITE STORIES 

An Angel Delivers Peter. 

Herod, the king that had consented to have John the Baptist 
killed, and the Herod that had mocked Jesus, were dead; but there 
was still another Herod, who was a great enemy of the church. Many 
suffered from his cruelty. He even killed the apostle James with the 
sword; and when he found that it pleased the Jews to see the Chris¬ 
tians suffer, he planned to kill Peter also. He sent soldiers, who 
arrested Peter, and put him into prison. 

What sorrow and suffering the church of God must have endured 
then! Many prayers were offered for Peter, that God would in some 
way show his power and deliver Peter. 

Their prayer was not answered until the very night that Herod 
had planned to have Peter brought forth. 

Peter was lying quietly asleep between two soldiers. He was 
carefully hound with two chains; and more than this, there were 
keepers guarding the doors of the prison. Suddenly, while all was 
so quiet and dark, an angel came into the prison and smote Peter on 
the side, saying, 44 Arise up quickly”; and as Peter obeyed, the angel 
helped him, and the chains fell from his hands. A bright light shone 
all around, and Peter hardly knew whether he was dreaming or not; 
but when the angel said, ‘ 4 Gird thyself, and hind on thy sandals, and 
follow me,” Peter obeyed. 

As the angel led him past the many soldiers that had been placed 
there to watch him, past one door and then another, Peter thought he 
must have seen a vision. 

At last they came to the great iron gate that opened into the 
city. Peter saw it open of its own accord, and they went out. The 
angel brought him down one street, and then left him. 

Peter was now fully awake, and he realized that all these things 
were truly happening. He said, “Now I know of a surety, that the 
Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of 
Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” 

It did not take him long to decide what to do. He hurried off to 
a house where the saints were praying for him. 



THE DELIVERANCE OF PETER. 


339 


































































































































































































































340 


FAVORITE STORIES 


As he knocked at the door, a damsel named Bhoda came to see 
who was rapping at that late hour. Peter answered. She knew his 
voice, but she was so glad that she forgot to open the door and let 
him in. 

She ran at once to tell the others that their prayers had been an¬ 
swered, but they would not believe her. They thought she must 
surely be mistaken, but she said it was true. At last the door was 
opened, and there stood Peter. Oh, how astonished they were! Peter 
soon told them the story of the angel that had come to him in the 
prison, and of all that had taken place. 

When he had finished telling them, he said to tell the brethren, 
and he would go away into another place. Peter knew that Herod 
would be much surprised and disappointed, and that he would try very 
hard to find him. 

We will now leave Peter, and see what happened when the soldiers 
awoke in the morning. How surprised and worried they must have 
been, for they well knew that their own lives were in danger. And 
they were. When no news could be had of Peter, Herod ordered put 
to death all the soldiers that had been on guard. 

But now what became of Herod? One day he wished to look 
very nice in the eyes of the people; so he dressed himself in a beautiful 
robe, and sat upon his throne. And the Bible says he made an oration 
or speech to the people. He must have used very fine words; for 
when he had finished speaking, they gave a great shout and said, “It 
is the voice of a god, and not of a man.” 

Herod was pleased when he heard this; but God was displeased, 
and because of Herod’s wickedness sent an angel to destroy his life. 
He became very ill, and his body was eaten by worms. 

By Herod’s sad death we see how much God hates pride. Herod’s 
sin was that he enjoyed being called a god, and not giving God the 
glory. 

God used all of these things to advance his work, and his word 
grew and multiplied among the people. 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


341 


Saul and Barnabas. 

I wonder if you have forgotten where we left Saul. Perhaps you 
have, so I will tell you. He had returned to his old home in the 
city of Tarsus. 

This was the place where he had spent his boyhood days. Then 
when he was older had been taught the Jewish customs and laws. 

Saul wanted to serve God the very best he knew how; but he 
thought that the only right way was as the Pharisees taught, and in 
making cold formal prayers. 

He was this sort of man when he consented to the death of Stephen 
and of other Christians. 

But now Saul was a different person. He loved the Christians, 
for he knew that they were the true people of God. And now he was 
a Christian himself. God was calling him to go out into the world 
and preach salvation to the people, to tell them the glad news about 
his dear Son and his mission to this earth. God had chosen Saul 
to preach not only to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles. 

It was about this time that his name was changed to Paul, which 
was only another form of the name Saul. 

You have not forgotten about Barnabas, the good man, who sold 
all his possessions, and gave the money he received for them to the 
apostles, for the good of the church in Jerusalem; and you remember 
that it was Barnabas who went to see whether Saul had really repented 
after the trip to Damascus, and who then introduced him to the dis¬ 
ciples in Jerusalem. 

Well, this same Barnabas now went to Tarsus; and when he had 
found Saul, they both departed for the church that was at Antioch. 
There were a number of prophets and teachers in this church who 
prophesied of the great work God had planned for Barnabas and Saul 
to do, and said they must prepare themselves for this work. 

When the time came for them to go, where do you suppose they 
went first? They went to the place where Barnabas had lived when 
he was a little boy. Paul had been to his home in Tarsus, and had 


342 


FAVORITE STORIES 


told his old friends about this Savior, and now Barnabas wanted to 
go to his home. 

Barnabas had been horn on a beautiful island in the Mediterranean 
Sea, called Cyprus. It was a long distance to the island from Antioch, 
so they sailed as soon as possible. They took with them a young man 
named John Mark, who was a nephew of Barnabas’. 

o*o*o*o 

In Paphos. 

Paul and Barnabas went through all the cities on the island, 
preaching to the people. In fact, they told every one they could of 
the wonderful salvation they had found. 

In the town of Paphos, at the western end of this island, lived the 
governor, Sergius Paulus. Pie was a Roman, but he was much wiser 
than Pilate had been. He became very anxious to hear more about 
Jesus, who had given his life for sinners. So when he had called 
Paul and Barnabas, he asked them to explain to him the word of God. 

Now, in this same city was living another very wise man, whose 
name was Elymas; but Elymas was a very different man from Sergius 
Paulus. 

Elymas had another name, which was Bar-jesus. This last was 
a Jewish name meaning 11 the son of Jesus”; but he was really a son 
of Satan, for he cared only to do the things Satan wanted him to do. 

Elymas.was a sorcerer, or false prophet; and when he heard Paul 
and Barnabas trying to teach the governor, he did all he could to turn 
the governor away, and to prevent him from believing the words. 

We do not know what Elymas said; but Paul understood his motive 
and spirit, and turning toward him, said: “0 full of all subtilty and 
all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, 
wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? Behold, 
the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou slialt be blind, not seeing 
the sun for a season.” 

When Paul finished speaking, Elymas found that he was blind, 


FtiOM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


343 


and he went about seeking some one to lead him by the hand. 

How this punishment must have reminded Paul of the time when 
he was blind! We do not know that Elymas ever had his sight re¬ 
stored to him; but we truly hope so, and hope that he repented of his 
sinful ways. 

When the governor saw what had happened to Elymas, he believed 
the words of Paul and Barnabas; but that is the last we hear about 
these two men of Paphos. 

Soon after this, Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark returned to 
Antioch, and from that time they continued to preach the gospel to 
every one they could. 

OKXDK^ 

A Lame Man Healed. 

Lystra was a small town northeast of Tarsus. The people of this 
place were heathen, for they worshiped stars instead of God. The 
name of these stars were Jupiter and Mercurius. 

Paul felt the great need of the gospel being preached to these 
people, so he spent some time among them. 

One day as Paul was preaching, he saw a lame man sitting near 
him. This man had always been lame, and had never walked. Just 
how old he was we do not know, but he had grown to be a man. 

When Paul saw how anxious this poor cripple was to hear the 
truth, he fixed his eyes upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be 
healed, said with a loud voice, 4 ‘Stand upright on thy feet.” The 
man leaped up, and began to walk. 

When the people saw what had happened, they began to praise 
Paul and Barnabas for healing the man, then called them gods. Neither 
Paul nor Barnabas would have allowed this; but the people spoke 
in their own language, and the apostles did not understand their 
meaning. 

But when they began to bring oxen to sacrifice, and beautiful gar^ 
lands of flowers, the apostles realized what the people meant. The 
apostles were greatly grieved over the matter. They knew that the 
oxen were to be offered up to show them honor. They tore their 


344 


FAVORITE STORIES 


clothes, and ran in among the people, saying, ‘ ‘ Sirs, why do ye these 
things? we also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto 
you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which 



THE CRIPPLE IS HEALED. 


made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein. ,, 

It was hard to make the people understand, hut Paul and Barna¬ 
bas had not long to endure this thing. For some Jews came over 
from other cities, and told many things that were untrue. It was 
not hard to change these poor ignorant people from worshipers into 
murderers. 

Gathering up great stones, they threw them at Paul until they 
thought they had killed him. They then dragged his body out of their 
city, and left him there. 


















FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


m 


Huw sorrowful the other believers must have felt to see the one 
Whom they loved so much lying upon the ground before them! Sud¬ 
denly the body began to move, and then it rose and walked into the 
city. Oh, what joy must have filled their hearts! Paul was with 
them again, alive and well. 

Paul and Barnabas left Lystra early the next morning; but after 
a while they returned, and there was a precious little church raised 
up in that wicked place. 

Young Timothy. 

Paul and Barnabas were now kept so busy that they needed help, 
so the apostles sent two brethren to help them in the work among the 
Gentiles. The names of these brethren were Judas Barsabas and 
Silas. 

Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch at the time, and they received 
them gladly. Much good resulted from their visit, and Silas decided 
to remain, but Judas returned to the apostles. 

Barnabas decided to go to his old home on the island of Cyprus 
and he took John Mark with him; but Paul and Silas went up into the 
country where Paul was horn, near Tarsus. 

As soon as possible Paul went up to Lystra, the place where the 
people had treated him so cruelly by throwing stones at him. The 
people were not so fierce now, but they did not enjoy hearing about 
Jesus, so he did remain there long. 

But there were a few in this place who really loved God, and 
liked to hear about God’s Son, Jesus. One of these was a young man 
named Timothy. His mother’s name was Eunice, and she was a 
Jewess. She had taught him carefully from the Bible, so that now 
he understood a great deal about God for one so young. Then, too, 
his grandmother, whose name was Lois, had taken a great interest 
in him, and had taught him many things about the Lord. 

Paul soon became greatly interested in Timothy, and saw that he 


346 


EAVORITE STORIES 


was going to be very useful in the Lord’s work. Paul wished very 
much to have Timothy as a companion in his work, and as Timothy 
was anxious to go, the matter was soon decided. These two became 
like father and son, and later Paul spoke of him as his “dearly be¬ 
loved son.” 

Now there were three in the company, Paul, Silas and Timothy. 
They went from one city to another, visiting and establishing churches; 
and many believed and were baptized. 

<=>* 050*0 

Lydia and the Servant Girl. 

There was a certain woman whose name was Lydia, who was very 
kind to the ministers of God. A brother named Luke had joined 
the company, which made four men to be cared for; but she told them 
that they were all welcome to come and stay at her house. 

They were now away up in the country of Macedonia, for God 
had shown Paul in a dream that he should go there. 

Of course, there were not many people in that place who were 
favorable to the truth; so they were very thankful to Lydia for her 
kindness to them. 

One day as they were on their way to the house of prayer, they 
heard some one crying out, “These men are the servants of the most 
high God, which show us the way of salvation.” 

They soon found that the words were spoken by a young woman 
who was possessed by an evil spirit. Satan had come into her, and 
she said and did many wonderful things. She was a servant girl. 
Her masters were wicked men, and they sent her out to get money by 
saying the things Satan told her. She was called a sorceress. 

Paul was grieved when he saw her under such a power; and as 
she continued to cry after them each day when they passed, he at last 
commanded the spirit to come out of her. And Satan came out of 
her the same hour. 

Truly this deliverance was a great blessing to the poor servant 


LOIS, EUNICE AND TIMOTHY. 





347 



































































348 


FAVORITE STORIES 


girl. But now there was a great change in her life. She no longer 
told lies to bring her masters gain, as she had done in the past. 

Those wicked men became very angry when they saw that their 
slave brought them no more money, and they decided to have Paul and 
Silas arrested. This was not a hard thing to do, for there are always 
many enemies wherever God’s Word is preached. So they were soon 
sent to prison. 

In Prison. 

It was not a hard matter to gain the consent of the judges to 
punish Paul and Silas. Their clothing, was torn off their bodies, and 
then they were beaten. After this they were cast into prison, and the 
jailor was told to keep close watch of them. 

The jailor did all in his power to obey these commands. He had 
their feet made fast in the stocks, so that they could not lie down nor 
stand up. 

But now we are coming to the good side of this story. At mid¬ 
night Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. All the 
prisoners around them heard the prayers and the songs. 

Suddenly there was a great crash. It was an earthquake, which 
shook the prison terribly, and threw open every door. All the prisoners 
found that their feet were set loose from the things with which they 
had been fastened. 

When the jailor awoke and saw all the prison doors standing open, 
he was so frightened that he drew his sword and was about to kill 
himself, when Paul called to him with a loud voice, “Do thyself no 
harm; for we are all here.” 

The jailor had at first supposed that the prisoners were all gone. 
How great must have been his surprise when he found they were 
there! He called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and 
fell down before Paul and Silas. 

He brought them up out of the prison, and said, “Sirs, what must 
I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus 
Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” 



THE PHILIPPIAN JAILOR BEFORE PAUL AND SILA§, 


349 





































350 


FAY QUITE STORIES 


How glad the jailor was when he heard this, and how sorry he 
was for the crnel treatment these good men had received! He saw 
their bodies still bruised and bleeding from the terrible beating that they 
had received the night before. And he thought of the meek and quiet 
spirit that they had shown through it all, and it seemed almost more 
than he could bear. 



“WHAT SHALL I DO TO BE SAVED/’ 


He took the prisoners out of the dungeon, and carefully washed 
their stripes, and then he and all his family were baptized. After this, 
food was prepared; and while they were eating, they praised and 
thanked God for his wonderful goodness. 

















FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 351 

The Alarm of the Judges. 

In the morning the rulers of the city sent men to the jailor, saying, 
“Let those men go.” 

The jailor must have felt that this was an answer to prayer; for 
when he told Paul and Silas the message, he seemed to rejoice because 
they could depart in peace. 

But Paul would not go. Do you wonder why? Wait and see 
what his answer to the jailor was. He said: “They have beaten us 
openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison, 
and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; hut let them come 
themselves and fetch us out.” 

Ah, what was this? Was not Paul a Jew, born in Tarsus, and 
not in Rome? Yes, but the emperor of Rome, as a sort of favor, 
granted certain people the privilege of being Romans, and no judge 
could punish them unless they were guilty, and the charges brought 
against them proved that they deserved punishment. 

In our country all enjoy this privilege, hut then none could expect 
it except those who were Romans. 

Now, Paul and Silas had been cruelly beaten and thrust into 
prison without even a trial. So Paul reminded them of what they 
had done, and said, “Let them come themselves and fetch us out.” 

The judges were certainly alarmed when they heard that Paul 
and Silas were Romans and they begged them to leave the city as 
soon as possible. 

The prisoners were willing to do this, hut they wanted those cruel 
men to understand what they had done. 

We can almost imagine we see Paul and Silas departing with their 
hearts full of love and praise to God for his goodness to them. 

Before leaving the city, they went to the house of Lydia. There 
they found Luke and Timothy, and told them about all that had taken 
place. After a little praise-meeting Paul and Silas left the city, 
and went into other places preaching that it was necessary for Christ 
to suffer, to die, and then to rise from the dead, and explaining that 
Jesus was the Christ. 


352 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The hearts of the Jews who would not believe seemed to be 
filled with bitter envy and jealousy. Some of them went to the rulers 
of the city, and said that the apostles were working against Caesar, 
“saying that there is another king, one Jesus.’’ 

In Berea, however, the people were more noble. When they heard 
the words of Paul, they searched carefully in their Bibles to see if 
what he said was true. In this way many of them believed and became 
Christians. 


cz>:-»o*c>xz> 

Paul Suffers in Jerusalem. 

There is much more about Paul’s life that is very interesting, but 
we will mention only a few more instances. 

At one time a prophet whose name was Agabus foretold something 
that was soon to take place in Jerusalem. He said that the Jews 
there would bind Paul, and deliver him into the hands of his enemies. 

This was sad news to Paul’s friends, and they begged him not to 
go to Jerusalem if such things were to be. Paul answered, “What 
mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be 
bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord 
Jesus.” 

When his friends saw that they could not persuade him to stay, 
they said, “The will of the Lord be done.” 

Not long after that, Paul went to Jerusalem, and found things as 
he had been told they would be. One day while he was in the temple, 
some of the people came and seized him, saying, ‘ 4 Men of Israel, help: 
this is the man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, 
and the law, and this place.” And they said that Paul had taken 
some Gentiles into the temple. Paul had been seen walking on the 
street with an Ephesian, and these Jews supposed he had brought him 
into the temple, but Paul had not. 

Many of the people heard these things and believed that they were 
true; so they all ran together, took Paul, and dragged him out of the 


FROM TEE NEW TESTAMENT. 


353 


temple. They then began beating Paul, and they would have killed 
him had not soldiers taken him out of their hands. The city was in 
such an uproar that the soldiers had great difficulty in protecting 
Paul, but they at last bore him away from the cruel mob. The terrible 
cry of “Away with him” could be heard in the streets. 



PAUL SPEAKING TO THE PEOPLE. 


As Paul was being taken to the castle, he asked the privilege of 
speaking to the chief captain, which was soon given. Then Paul asked 
permission to speak to the people. The chief captain gave his con¬ 
sent. Paul spoke from where he was, standing on the stairs, and 
all could hear him. Then he began and told them who he was; how 
he had once treated the Christians just as they were doing now; then 
how he had been converted, and how lie had preached about Jesus 
























354 


FAVORITE STORIES 


in Jerusalem until God said, ‘‘Depart: for I will send thee far hence 
unto the Gentiles.’’ 

Again the hearts of the people were filled with murder. They 
were so determined to kill Paul that the captain commanded his soldiers 
to bind him, and to take him into the castle. 

Once more Paul said that he was a Roman, and that they had no 
right to treat him as they were doing. 

The officer to whom Paul told this went to the chief captain and 
said, 4 ‘Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.” 

The captain told Paul that he had paid a great deal of money to 
be made a Roman; but Paul said, “I was free born.” 

All were now very much frightened, but it seems that they left 
Paul bound until the next day, when he was to appear before the 
council. 

In the morning Paul received strength and grace from above to 
say everything that was necessary for him to say, and the Lord took 
care of all that was said. 

It was truly a terrible day. There stood the angry mob, longing 
for a chance to kill Paul; but God was on Paul’s side, and he was not 
going to let him die until he had finished his work. 

He must testify of Jesus in Rome after this testimony in Jerusalem. 
This God showed him in a dream, and it soon came to pass. 

o:<d*:<>5<d 

Paul is Shipwrecked. 

After having been brought before the different rulers in Jeru¬ 
salem, who were not able to decide what had better be done with Paul, 
it was decided that he should be taken to Italy. 

Paul was now a prisoner, so there was placed over him a guard 
by the name of Julius. This guard was very kind to Paul; and on the 
way, when the ship stopped at the different cities, he allowed Paul 
to go and visit some of his old friends. 

How glad these friends must have been to see Paul; but they 


FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 355 

must have felt very sad indeed to see him suffering so many things. 

h e ,iTrr niaglne Paul saying many words of encouragement to 
them, and telling them not to be so rry for him, but to be sure that they 



were prepared to meet him in heaven when all their work and suffer¬ 
ings were ended. On the way to Italy they passed the island of Cyprus 
and many other dear and familiar places; but it was a long and 
dangerous journey. 



























356 


FAVORITE STORIES 


At last they came to the island of Crete, and landed at a place 
called the Fair Havens. While at this place Paul warned the master 
of the ship not to go any farther, for there was great danger ahead. 
He said, ‘ 4 Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much 
damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.'’ 

But they did not listen to Paul’s advice, partly because they did 
not like to change their plans, and partly because winter was fast 
approaching and they would have to remain a long time. So they 
decided to try to reach Phenice, and winter there. 



copm.6MT.ia97 •» ppovioence citm. co.. 


PAUL ENCOURAGES THE SAILORS. 

They had gone only a short distance when a terrible wind-storm 
arose, known as the Euroclydon. The wind blew the ship around so 
fiercely that they were unable to manage it in the storm, and they were 
forced to let it go as it would. 

The waves continued to toss the ship until it seemed necessary to 
throw overboard everything that was heavy, and thus lighten the 
load; hut this did not help matters. 

/{sinjjofc -udioguisb 













FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


357 


The men on board began to give up all hope of being saved from 
the storm, for the sun or stars had not appeared for many days. But 
Paul knew that he himself could not be lost, for God had told him 
that he must appear before the people in Rome. 



st, Paul’s ship-wreck. 


Paul reminded them of his warning before they left the Fair 
Havens; but he also encouraged them by saying: 4 ‘Be of good cheer: 
for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the 
ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, 
and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought be- 








358 


FAVORITE STORIES 


fore Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 
Wherefore, sirs, he of good cheer: for I believe God that it shall be 
even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain 
island. ’ ’ 

Paul did not know how all this would happen; but he knew that 
it was to be, for the angel had told him so. The people on the ship 
could now see that Paul was a prophet. 



THE SHIPWRECK OF PAUL. 


Day after day the ship continued to be tossed about in the fierce 
storm. For fourteen days they ate no food. All this time they had 
been rolling about on the stormy sea, fearing that they would never see 
land again. 

At last they found that they were nearing land, for the sea was 












FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT . 


359 


becoming more shallow. Now they were glad and afraid at the same 
time. They longed to be upon the land again, but they knew that 
there was great danger of the ship’s being thrown upon the rocks and 
torn to pieces. In such a storm it is very difficult to reach the shore 
from a ship. But though they were in such danger, they were cheered 
by the kind and loving words of Paul, and they ate some food. 

They soon found that it was as they had feared. Their ship ran 
aground; and as the front of it caught, the back part was torn away 
by the violent waves. 

Two hundred and seventy-six persons were on the ship; and when 
they saw what had happened, they knew that the only way to reach 
land was to jump into the sea and do their best to get to the shore. 

The soldiers thought they had better kill the prisoners; but Julius 
thought of Paul, and said no. Some escaped on boards, and some on 
broken pieces of the ship; but all reached the land in safety. 

OIOIOKD 

The Island of Melita. 

The name of the island upon which Paul and the rest that had 
been on the ship found themselves was Melita. Not one of the two 
hundred and seventy-six were lost in the sea, and no one was hurt; 
but they were wet and cold. 

They found that there were people living on the island. These 
people may have been ignorant so far as books were concerned; but 
they all had souls, and Paul felt sorry for them. He knew that Jesus 
died to save every one. 

The people of the island must have had very kind hearts; for when 
they saw the shipwrecked party in such distress, they did what they 
could to comfort them. It was now winter and very cold, and to make 
matters still worse, it was raining. The poor strangers must have 
looked very pitiful indeed. We can imagine them standing about 
shivering, and with clothes dripping wet. 

A nice warm fire was soon built by these kind-hearted people, and 


360 


FAVORITE STORIES 


perhaps they brought dry clothing for some. At any rate, they showed 
them no little kindness. 

Paul was very glad to see these people show such kindness, not 
only for his sake, but for their own. He, too, was anxious to do what 
he could to help warm his companions; so he went and gathered a 
bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire to burn. 

Now what do you suppose happened next! The fire began to 
bum afresh, and Paul must have been holding his hands out, trying to 
warm them. All at once a viper, which is a very poisonous kind of 
snake, sprang out of the flame, and fastened itself upon Paul’s hand. 

Ignorant people are nearly always superstitious; that is, they be¬ 
lieve in signs, and think when certain things happen, something else 
far worse will take place. 

So when these people saw the snake hanging to Paul's hand, they 
thought it must be a punishment sent upon him by some of the gods; 
for these people were heathen. 

They said among themselves that Paul must have murdered some 
one, and that even though he had escaped being drowned in the sea, 
he would have to die anyway. 

Then they watched the snake upon Paul’s hand, to see what would 
happen. They knew that when people were bitten by a viper, they 
nearly always died. 

But Paul shook off the viper from his hand into the fire, and he 
felt no harm from the bite. 

The barbarians kept on looking at Paul, expecting to see him 
swell and fall down dead suddenly; but after they had looked a great 
while, and saw no harm came to him, they changed their minds about 
him, and said that he was a god. 

We are sure that Paul would not let them worship him; for you 
remember that while he was at Lystra, the people wanted to worship 
him and Barnabas, and he would not let them. Paul’s only desire 
was to teach people everywhere he went, to worship the true God, 
and to follow the meek and lowly Jesus. 














































































































362 FAVORITE STORIES 



The experience of Paul with the viper opened the way for him to 
do much good among the people. 

A very rich man by the name of Publius lived upon the island. 
This man sent for Paul to come and stay at his home for three days. 

How kind it was of Publius to do this, and how much Paul must 
have appreciated this favor, after having passed through such terrible 
sufferings. 

Quite a case of healing took place one day while Paul was visiting 
at the house of this rich man. The poor old father of Publius lived 
there, and he was very sick with a fever. When Paul heard of it, he 
went to the old man’s room and prayed. Then, when he had laid his 
hands upon the man, the Lord raised him up, and he was well. 

The news of this healing soon spread among the people; and 
others who were sick came, and were healed of their diseases. 

How welcome Paul must have been after that in all of their houses! 

God certainly was very good to show these poor heathen such kind¬ 
ness, and many must have learned to love Jesus, especially when they 
saw that he loved them well enough to heal them when they were sick. 

Jesus is just the same to-dav. He not only taught divine healing 
when he was upon earth, but gave his apostles power to heal the sick. 

This power was first given to the Twelve (see Mat. 10: 1), and 
they exercised the power. Mark 16: 20; Acts 5: 12-16. He then gave 
this power to the Seventy (Luke 10: 1, 9), and they exercised it. Luke 
10: 17-20. Next he gave this power to Stephen, Paul, and others (Acts 
6: 8; 14: 8-10; 28: 8); then to some in the church (1 Cor. 12: 9), and to 
the elders. Jas. 5: 14, 15. And last of all the power was given to us 
if we believe. Mark 16: 16-18; John 14: 12. 

There is something, however, that is required of all who desire 
healing. That is faith. Mat. 9: 29; Mark 5: 25-34; 5: 36. 

Some, however, are healed through the faith of others; but those 
who pray must have faith, and “all things are possible to him that 
believeth.” Mark 9: 23. We must believe when we pray, and expect 
that God will answer our prayer. 1 John 5:15. 


EttOM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 


363 


Some people think that the day of healing is past, but this is not 
true. Mark 16: 16-18. 

The fifth chapter of James, from the thirteenth verse to the fifteenth, 
tells us just what to do in case of sickness. And we may be sure that 
Jesus is still able and willing to heal us when we go to him in prayer. 
Read Heb. 13: 8 and Eph. 3: 20, 21. 

To all who will believe 
Our Jesus is the same: 

They may his grace receive; 

Oh, bless his holy name! 

C>KII>KZ>KZ> 

Paul in Rome. 

We will now return to Paul where we left him on the island of 
Melita. The people on this island must have learned to love him 
very much. 

No doubt they would have liked to keep such a good man with 
them always, but Paul knew that God wanted him to go to Rome in 
Italy. 

He had spent three months with these people, and the winter was 
about past. The fierce storms were over for a time, so a ship prepared 
to sail from the island. Paul w T as taken on hoard. 

Everything necessary for the long trip was brought by those kind- 
hearted barbarians, and we are sure God blessed them for their kind 
and generous offerings. 

Many days passed before they landed in Italy. The ship stopped 
for a short time at several harbors on the way. At one of these 
places, called Puteoli, Paul found some Christians. How glad he must 
have been to find some one else who loved the same Jesus that he loved, 
and who was willing to suffer, if necessary, for Jesus’ sake! Julius 
allowed Paul to visit the brethren for a whole week, and then they 
went on toward Rome. On the way Paul met other friends, who 
greatly encouraged him. 



PAUL BEFORE CAESAR 



























































































































































































































































































FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 




365 



At last Paul arrived in Rome. He was not taken to prison, as 
were the other prisoners; but he was carefully guarded by a soldier. 
This would nat have been necessary; for Paul knew that God had 
some good reason for sending him to Rome, and he had no desire to 
disobey. 

Previously to appearing before Caesar, he sent for some of the 
chief men among the Jews living at Rome to come and see him. He 
wanted them to understand why he had been sent to Rome. 

Perhaps he thought they might have heard things about him that 
were untrue, and he wanted them to understand that he had done noth¬ 
ing at all to deserve the chains with which he was still bound. 

The Jews told Paul that no one had sent them any word or 
spoken anything against him. This, they said, was the first that they 
had heard regarding the matter, and they should be glad to hear more. 
So a day was set for them to come. 

Upon the day appointed, a large company of the Jews came to 
listen to Paul. He preached to them all day about Jesus and his 
kingdom, and explained many things the prophets had said about the 
coming of Christ. Some of them believed that the things Paul said 
were true; but some did not believe, and became his enemies. 



































366 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Paul said that the prophet Isaiah had spoken truly concerning them; 
for their ears were dull of hearing, and their eyes they had closed. 
For if it had not been so, all would have believed, and received sal¬ 
vation. 

As it was, God had taken their portion, and had given it to the 
Gentiles, for they would hear and accept it. The Jews went home 
with many new and strange thoughts in their minds, and they had 
much to say about Paul. 

For two whole years Paul remained in Rome, and preached the 
gospel of Jesus and his kingdom to the people in Rome, and no man 
forbade him. 

The Bible does not tell us much more about Paul; but other books 
tell us that Paul really died at Rome. It was not, however, before 
he had fulfilled his mission to the Romans. 

o*o:«o:<d 

Persecution. 

All the apostles had to suffer many things because they were 
brave enough to preach against sin; but Paul, I think, suffered more 
than any of the rest. 

One time, while speaking of his suffering, he said that he had been 
beaten, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked, besides many other things 
just as bad; but God cared for him, and brought him through every 
trouble with victory. Pie was happy because he could suffer for 
Jesus, for he often remembered how he had persecuted Jesus and the 
disciples before he himself loved Jesus. 

One time he said, “I take pleasure in persecutions for Christ’s 
sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” God’s people are often 
persecuted to-day; but we have the same Jesus to trust in that Paul 
had, and we need not be discouraged, even if at times things may seem 
dark and terrible. 

God will not let Satan kill us until our work is finished, for he 
cares for all who put their trust in him; but if, when our work is 

























































368 


FAVORITE STORIES 


done, God sees fit to let ns die the death that Stephen died, we should 
be glad that he considers us worthy to suffer and die for Jesus. 

Persecution does not always mean death, or to suffer as much 
as the apostles did. Many things are being done every day against 
God’s people by the enemies of Jesus; but remember, when you have 
to meet anything like this, the words that Jesus spoke to his disciples 
upon the mount—“ Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and 
persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, 
for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward 
in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” 

Oh, how precious were these words! But remember that Jesus 
said, ‘‘For my sake.” So when we suffer, we must be sure it is for 
Jesus’ sake, and not because we have done something wrong, and are 
suffering for that. 

We should have to suffer to-day for Jesus just as the apostles did, 
if the law did not protect us; for the same hatred that was in the 
hearts of men and women when Jesus was here is in the hearts of 
some people to-day. Let us praise and thank God for a law of this 
kind; but let us never shrink from bearing the cross for Jesus, for, 
remember, without the cross there will be no crown. 

My Crown. 

I would wear a crown in heaven, 

A crown of jewels fair, 

Which must be gained through suff’ring, 

Yes, I must sorrow share. 

For Jesus bore before me 
The cross to Calvary, 

And then he died upon it, 

From sin to set me free. 

Ah, can I bear for Jesus 
My cross here day by day? 

























































































370 


FAVORITE STORIES 


Yes, Jesus helps me bear it, 

He is my strength and stay. 

I’ll trust him ev’ry moment, 

His power to keep, believe; 

Then when I go to heaven, 

A crown there I’ll receive. 

My trials will adorn it, 

As jewels they will be; 

And I’ll see why I suffered, 

I’ll solve each mystery. 

0*0*CD*0 

Paul's Letter to the Romans. 

We do not read very much more in the Bible about any of the 
apostles, except their letters which were written to the different 
churches. 

In Paul's letter to the Romans he said, “It is written, There is 
none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, . . . 
there is none that doeth good, no, not one . 9 9 

Does it seem strange that Paul wrote in this way? Ah, no! 
You have been told that all have sin born in their hearts, and this was 
what Paul wanted to tell these Roman brethren—that all the world 
was guilty before God. 

Paul did not stop when he had told them this; but he went on to 
say that although all had sinned and come short of the glory of God, 
yet they might be justified freely, or forgiven of all their sins by 
God's grace, for Jesus had been offered as a sacrifice for every one 
who would believe. 

Oh, how hard it was to explain so that they could understand it, 
and yet so that it would teach others as long as the world should stand 
just how they ought to live in order to please God. It took Paul 
a long time. 

When he came to the seventh chapter, he told them some things 

















FAVORITE STORIES 


372 

that made it look still more as if no one could live without committing 
sin; for, speaking of his former condition, he said: “What I would, 
that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. . . . I delight in the law 
of God after the inward man; but I see another law in my members, 
warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity 
to the law of sin which is in my members. 0 wretched man that I am! 
who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” 

What a miserable condition for a person to be in!—to want to 
serve God, yet unable to do so, because of a sinful inborn nature. 

But Paul told them there was a way to be delivered from this 
nature of sin that had been born in them, just as well as a way to 
be delivered from the sins they had been in the habit of committing 
every day. 

God forgave them of their sins for his Son’s sake, and the blood 
that his Son shed on Mount Calvary was to cleanse them from this 
sinful nature. God had sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful 
flesh, that he might condemn sin in the flesh. 

Paul’s advice was very good. He explained to them that it was 
the carnal mind which made people want to commit sin. 

Paul clearly taught that when a sinner was forgiven of his sins, 
he was born into the family of God, or justified in God’s sight; but 
that there still remained within him a nature that would sometime 
cause him to want to commit sin again. This nature, nothing but the 
blood of Jesus could remove; and when it was removed, the man would 
be sanctified, or perfectly holy in God’s sight. 

God loves all the people that he has made, and he longs to see them 
happy and good. We should be very thankful that he ever permitted 
his dear Son to die to make them so, and that he gave the apostles 
wisdom to write down words that would teach us the way to be like 
God, even in this wicked world. 

Paul did not stop when he had written such a long letter to the 
Romans. Many letters were written by Paul and the other apostles 
to the brethren at Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, Thes- 
salonica, and to the Hebrews, or pure-minded Jews, Letters were also 




373 

















































































































































































m 


Favorite stories 


written to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, who labored much in the 
gospel work. Then, too, there were special letters that were called 
by the names of those who wrote them. They all contain the advice 
and comfort, that Christians need. 

oioj-oo 

What John Saw. 

The last book in the Bible gives an account of the wonderful 
things that John, the beloved disciple, saw in his old age. 

Jesus loved John very dearly. He was the youngest of the Twelve. 
We do not know much about John’s life after Jesus returned to heaven; 
but when he became a very old man, he was sent to an island called 
Patmos. 

This was a small rocky island at some distance from the country 
of Greece. He was sent to this island as a prisoner; but God was with 
him, and gave him a vision that was indeed glorious. 

It was on the Lord’s day when suddenly he heard behind him a 
great voice, as of a trumpet. The voice said that John must write 
a book, and send it to the seven churches which were in Asia. He 
turned to see who was talking to him, and saw a very beautiful sight. 
He saw Jesus standing in the midst of seven candlesticks, clothed with 
a beautiful garment. 

When John saw him, he was frightened, and fell down as one dead. 
Then the Beautiful One laid his right hand upon him, and said, “Fear 
not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; 
and, behold, I am alive forevermore.” 

The Shining One then told him to write, and John did so. A 
special letter was written to each of the churches in Asia. After 
these letters were written, John saw angels. These showed him the 
different kinds of punishment that were to be sent upon the earth to 
punish the wicked people that did not repent of their sins. 

But the beautiful part of his vision was the city which he saw, 














































































































































376 


FAVORITE STORIES 


and which was prepared for the people of God. This was the new 
J erusalem. 

The Jews had always expected to see the city of Jerusalem again 
restored to its former beauty and grandeur; but this was never to be. 
They had refused to let Jesus reign over them, and now the Jerusalem 
where Jesus would reign would be entirely new, prepared of God. 

John saw it descend out . of heaven, and heard a voice saying: 
‘ 4 Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with 
them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with 
them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their 
eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, 
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former tilings are passed 
away. 

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things 
new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and 
faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, 
the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the 
fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall in¬ 
herit all things; and I will be bis God, and be shall be my son.” 
Rev. 21: 4-7. 

John was then taken up, as it were, in the spirit upon a high 
mountain, where he could see the city in all its beauty. Oh, how 
beautiful it was! The walls and streets shone as precious stones, 
and the gates were as pearls. 

In writing about it, John said: “And I saw no temple therein: for 
the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And 
the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it: 
for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 
And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of 
it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. 
And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be 
no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honor of the 
nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it anything 
that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a 


































































378 


FAVORITE STORIES 


lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Rev. 
21: 22-27. 

And John saw the river and tree of life. The fruit of this tree 
was for the healing of the nations. 

When John had seen and heard such wonderful things, he fell 
down and was about to worship the angel that had shown him these 
things. But the angel said, “See thou do it not, for I am thy fellow 
servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and them that keep the 
sayings of this book: worship God.” 

In the closing of the book, are these words, spoken by Jesus: “Sure¬ 
ly I come quickly.” And John answers, “Even so, come, Lord 
Jesus.” 

Thus ends our New Testament, and we should all see to it that 
we are ready to meet Jesus when he comes; for he is coming, and 
all who are not ready will be left behind. 









FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT 


379 



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380 


FAVORITE STORIES 


The Voice of Jesus. 

What voice is this I hear, 

That’s warning souls to flee; 
That tells of misery, 

As well as mystery; 

That sa}^s the time is near? 

Tis Jesus, God’s dear Son, 

The One who years ago 
Endured death below, 

To save mankind from woe, 

Who claims the vict’ry’s won. 

Let’s say with John of old, 

‘ ‘ Lord Jesus,- haste the time 
When we shall leave this clime 
To hear the happy chime 

Of angels’ praise oft told.” 

How welcome is this voice! 

We hear it when we pray. 

It guides us on our way, 

And teaches us each day: 

We’ll ne’er regret our choice 













































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LIGHT ON THE CHILD’S PATH 


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A Beautiful Picture Book 
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The book is a stepping-stone toward a useful Christian life. Order 
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GOSPEL TRUMPET COMPANY 

ANDERSON, INDIANA. 

























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®COPT DEL. TO CAT CIV- 

FEB 8 1906 


FEB 13 1906 







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